Jos, Plateau State – The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, is at the center of mounting allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and institutional decay, sparking staff protests and calls for urgent government intervention.
The crisis came to a head recently when staff of the institution staged a massive protest during the visit of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Placard-carrying workers accused the leadership of the center, particularly Director-General Prof. Linus Asuquo, of financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Investigations and staff petitions allege that more than N2.5 billion has been misappropriated since 2018. Specific accusations include:
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Financial Misappropriation: Diversion of funds, including over N329 million spent in 2019 on an X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF machine) that never worked. Staff allege the machine had been previously rejected by another institution.
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Contract Irregularities: Awarding contracts far above the DG’s approval limit of N2.5 million, including one contract worth N148.5 million. Audit reports also point to fake quotations and missing vouchers worth over N1.5 billion.
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Failed Projects and Equipment: Non-functional laboratories and obsolete machines, despite heavy spending on equipment and infrastructure.
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Abuse of Office: Allegations of intimidation, demotions, redeployments, and victimization of staff who opposed corrupt practices.
Collapse of Core Functions
Established as a national hub for metallurgical research and development, the NMDC is now described by staff as “dead.” Video and documentary evidence reportedly show empty labs and idle machines. Staff members complain of stalled promotions, lack of training, and unsafe working conditions.
Some workers allege health hazards due to inadequate protective gear, with one case of work-related cancer leading to death. Morale has plummeted, with posters during the protest accusing management of “intimidation, religious bias, and abuse of office.”
Growing Demand for Accountability
During the protest, staff and concerned citizens demanded a full-scale investigation by anti-graft agencies, including the ICPC and EFCC. Placards bore messages such as “Asuquo Must Go,” “Investigate NMDC,” and “We are tired of 7 years of no research activity.”
A journalist covering the crisis, Dahiru, reported resistance from the institution’s management. The NMDC’s Public Relations Officer, Sunny Eweama, dismissed some of the allegations as misquotations. However, Dahiru insisted his reports were accurate and supported by documentary evidence.
A National Institution in Jeopardy
Observers warn that the NMDC, once envisioned as a center of excellence for Nigeria’s metallurgical advancement, risks total collapse if the allegations are not urgently addressed.
“The NMDC is not just collapsing; it is being buried under corruption,” one protester declared.
The Federal Government is now under pressure to intervene, investigate the claims, and restore the institution’s mandate. Stakeholders say failure to act could result in the permanent loss of a facility critical to Nigeria’s industrial and scientific development.
