The management of Abuja Steel Company has denied claims that the company bought and melted stolen manhole covers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abuja Steel Mills Ltd. spokesperson Chethan Kumar refuted the allegations and implication that the company is engaged in such operations, describing them as untrue and deceptive.
You may remember that on Monday, officers from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command detained 50 people for allegedly stealing various items, including manhole covers and lamps.
Following the destruction of sewage manhole covers along important traffic corridors in the capital city, the corporation was charged with purchasing the stolen goods, which led to the arrest.
“The assertions or implication that the Abuja Steel Company deals in small-scale business talks or transactions with individuals or unauthorized agents are untrue and misleading due to the company’s large-scale industrial structure and lack of involvement in such operations.
We belong to a group of companies that are Nigeria’s biggest steel producers and are a top-tier business. In Gujeni, Kaduna State, we are the only steel production company that has a fully integrated iron-ore mining and processing facility. Since African Natural Resources and Mines Limited is our sister company, we are already switching from scrap metals to direct reduction iron ore.
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The statement also revealed that, in order to preserve its reputation and guarantee accountability, a comprehensive inquiry has been started into the situation.
“Abuja Steel Company has stated its confidence that the company will be cleared of the charges through further investigations and is fully committed to working with law enforcement to find the truth and bring those accountable for the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure to justice.”
The business calls on the Nigerian people and its esteemed clients to ignore the accusations, saying it believes some special interests are trying to damage its well-earned reputation.
Being a pillar of ethical business practices in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond is something our company takes great pleasure in. We are steadfast in our opposition to any theft or vandalism that jeopardizes public safety and infrastructure, and we are committed to fostering Nigeria’s economic growth and upholding public confidence,” the statement said.
