The Management of Abuja Steel Company has refuted allegations linking the organisation to the purchase and smelting of stolen manhole covers.
A statement signed by the Abuja Steel Mills Ltd’s spokesman, Chethan Kumar, on Tuesday, denied the claims and insinuations that the company is involved in such activities, calling them false and misleading.
Recall that on Monday, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command arrested 50 suspects for allegedly stealing streetlights and manhole covers, among others.
The arrest followed the vandalism of sewage manhole covers along critical road corridors in the capital city, with the company indicted as a buyer of the stolen items.
Providing clarification, the spokesperson explained that the company operates solely on a large-scale industrial framework and does not engage in small-scale business negotiations or transactions with individuals or unauthorised agents.
He said the allegations are entirely baseless and inconsistent with its core values and established operational principles.
The statement read, “Abuja Steel Company is a responsible, tax-paying organization committed to ethical and transparent business practices, strict adherence to industry regulations, with no history of involvement in shady or illegal activities.
“The Abuja Steel Company operates on a large-scale industrial framework and does not engage in small-scale business negotiations or transactions with individuals or unauthorized agents, and the claims or insinuations that the company deals in such activities are false and misleading.
“We are a world-class company and part of a group of companies that is the largest steel producer in Nigeria. We are the only steel manufacturing group that is fully integrated with an iron-ore mining and processing factory at Gujeni, Kaduna State. As such we are already moving away from scrap metals to direct reduced iron-ore from our sister company, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited.”
The statement also disclosed that a thorough investigation has been initiated into the matter to uphold its reputation and ensure accountability.
“Abuja Steel Company is fully committed and will cooperate with law enforcement agencies to uncover the truth and bring those responsible for the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure to justice, and expressed confidence that ongoing investigations will exonerate the company from the accusations.
“The company urges the Nigerian public and its valued customers to disregard the allegations, stating that it perceives them as an attempt by some vested interests to malign its hard-earned reputation.
“Our company prides itself on being a cornerstone of responsible industrial practices in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. We stand resolutely against all forms of vandalism and theft that endanger public infrastructure and safety and remain dedicated to contributing positively to Nigeria’s economic development and maintaining public trust,” the statement concluded.
