The Federal Ministry of Steel Development has suspended 58 staff members of the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos following alleged disruptions and participation in protests at the agency.
The development has sparked anger among workers, with insiders accusing the management of corruption, maladministration, and high-handedness.
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has set up a disciplinary and investigative committee to examine the situation and make recommendations to restore normal operations. The committee is tasked with reviewing staff conduct and determining appropriate measures in line with public service rules.
Suspended staff have been notified that they may be called upon to provide information or clarification during the investigation and are required to cooperate fully. They were also asked to provide contact details to facilitate communication with the committee.
Among those suspended are senior and technical officials, including Michael Philip Mahelia, Senior Mechanical Engineer; Jamil Baba, Director of Refractory; Henry Muanleng, Principal Metallurgist; Ucheji Nwancho, Assistant Director of Human Resource Management (Records); and Emma Fada, Chief Confidential Officer (Admin).
The NMDC management instructed the suspended staff to leave the agency premises immediately and not to return until further notice, warning that noncompliance could lead to further disciplinary action.
