Senators Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ndubueze Exchange Words During Committee Session with Steel Minister

A mild disagreement occurred on Tuesday during a Senate committee session involving the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, as Senators Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central – PDP) and Patrick Chinweuba Ndubueze (Imo North – APC) engaged in a brief exchange over procedural issues.

The incident took place during an interactive meeting convened to review matters relating to the steel sector, including developments surrounding the long-standing Ajaokuta Steel Company project and broader ministry operations.

According to video footage circulating online, the disagreement arose when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to make a contribution during the proceedings. However, questions regarding speaking order and committee protocol appeared to trigger a back-and-forth between her and Senator Ndubueze.

While the exchange did not escalate into a major confrontation, it momentarily interrupted the session before order was restored and deliberations continued.

The committee meeting was part of ongoing legislative oversight efforts aimed at assessing the performance and policy direction of the Ministry of Steel Development. Lawmakers have in recent months shown renewed interest in the revitalization of Nigeria’s steel industry, particularly the fate of Ajaokuta Steel Company, a project that has remained largely dormant for decades despite repeated government interventions.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously positioned herself as an advocate for transparency and accountability in the steel sector. Before her election into the Senate, she was widely known for her activism and public commentary regarding Ajaokuta and industrial development in Kogi State. Her supporters argue that her interventions during committee sessions reflect a consistent effort to demand clarity on issues affecting her constituency and the nation’s industrial growth.

On the other hand, some observers have raised concerns about decorum and adherence to parliamentary procedure during legislative engagements. They note that while robust debate is a core feature of democracy, Senate rules and committee protocols are designed to ensure orderly discussions and equal participation among members.

The incident has since generated significant reactions on social media, where opinions remain sharply divided. Some commentators praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for what they described as assertiveness and courage in holding public officials accountable. Others criticized her approach, suggesting that legislative oversight must be exercised within established procedural boundaries to maintain professionalism.

Political analysts note that disagreements during parliamentary committee meetings are not uncommon, particularly when sensitive national projects are under review. Oversight hearings often involve pointed questions, interruptions, and procedural disputes, especially when lawmakers feel strongly about issues affecting their regions or policy priorities.

The Ministry of Steel Development has not issued any statement specifically addressing the exchange. However, sources indicate that the committee’s work continued after the brief disruption, with discussions centered on funding, policy implementation, and strategic plans for revitalizing Nigeria’s steel industry.

The broader conversation surrounding the incident underscores ongoing debates about the role of lawmakers in executive oversight. As Nigeria continues efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, the steel sector remains a critical component of industrial policy, infrastructure development, and job creation.

Observers say that while disagreements in the National Assembly may draw public attention, the ultimate focus should remain on substantive policy outcomes—particularly the long-delayed operationalization of Ajaokuta and other steel initiatives.

For now, the exchange between Senators Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ndubueze serves as a reminder of the intensity that can accompany legislative scrutiny, especially when issues of national development and accountability are at stake.