By SUNTV Global Channel
January 6, 2026 | News
Tension has gripped the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, following the suspension of 58 staff members by the Federal Ministry of Steel Development over their alleged involvement in protests and disruption of official activities.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the decision, which took immediate effect, has sparked widespread anger and unease within the agency, with affected workers and internal sources accusing the management of corruption, maladministration, and heavy-handed tactics.
According to documents and multiple sources familiar with the development, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has approved the constitution of a disciplinary and investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the protest and the alleged breakdown of operations at the NMDC. The committee has been mandated to examine the conduct of the suspended staff and make recommendations aimed at restoring normalcy and ensuring compliance with public service rules.
Insiders described the mass suspension as an “intimidation strategy” designed to silence dissenting voices within the agency. The Ministry reportedly warned that the affected workers may be summoned at any time during the investigation to provide clarifications or submit documents deemed relevant to the committee’s assignment.
A section of the suspension notice obtained by SUNTV Global Channel reads:
“Please note that in the course of further investigation into the matter, they may be called upon for interrogation or clarification and would be required to cooperate fully by providing any useful information or documentation that will assist the Committee discharge her assignment.”
The suspended employees were also instructed to submit their contact details, including residential addresses and telephone numbers, to enable the committee reach them whenever necessary.
Among those affected by the sweeping action are several senior officials and technical experts critical to the agency’s operations. They include Michael Philip Mahelia, Senior Mechanical Engineer; Jamil Baba, Director of Refractory; Henry Muanleng, Principal Metallurgist; Ucheji Nwancho, Assistant Director, Human Resource Management (Records); and Emma Fada, Chief Confidential Officer (Administration), among others.
Further escalating tensions, the NMDC management directed the suspended staff to vacate the agency’s premises immediately and warned them not to return until further notice. The notice cautioned that failure to comply with the directive could attract additional sanctions as investigations continue.
As reactions continue to trail the development, labour observers warn that the situation could deepen industrial unrest within the steel development sector if grievances raised by workers are not transparently addressed. Efforts to obtain official comments from the Ministry and NMDC management were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.
