Another drama unfolded at the National Assembly as the Senator, representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clashed with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, Senator Patrick Nwabueze, during the 2026 budget defence.

Trouble started when the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, told lawmakers that the proposed ₦500 million capital allocation for 2026 would be grossly inadequate to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The Minister said that between $1.5 billion and $2 billion would be required to fully resuscitate the steel complex.

Senator Natasha faulted the Minister’s explanation, insisting that Russia had earmarked $50 billion for Africa’s development in 2019. She added that there was an existing Memorandum of Understanding between former President Muhammadu Buhari and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ajaokuta.

In an attempt to calm frayed nerves, Committee Chairman, Senator Nwabueze, announced plans for an immediate oversight visit to Ajaokuta and a further investigative hearing on the matter.

But Natasha insisted on making additional comments and protested when she was not recognised to speak, leading to a heated exchange before she staged a walkout from the session.

Despite the tension, the committee proceeded with the budget defence of other agencies under the Ministry of Steel Development.