Category: News

The indictments are contained in the 2021 Auditor-General’s annual report published in November 2024. The 558-page report was recently submitted to the National Assembly as Nigeria’s Constitution provides.

The report shows a troubling blend of questions bordering on misappropriation of funds involving the NNPCL. In one case, the auditor general indicted the state-owned oil firm of unauthorised deductions of N82.9 billion from federation revenue for refinery rehabilitation.

The NNPCL also got knocks from the report for its “irregular deductions of funds from domestic crude sales at source,” which the auditor general said was a breach of the Nigerian Constitution and Financial Regulations (3106 and 3129) 2009 in respect of economy of expenditure.

The report recommended that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL should “furnish reasons to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, for the unauthorised deduction of funds and to recover and remit the sum of the lost funds” to the government’s treasury.

From the review of NNPCL payment records for 2020 and 2021, the audit observed that N82.9 billion was “deducted from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas (Federation Revenue) from the 2020 and 2021 records, and a total of N82.9 billion which were deducted at source for purported Refineries Rehabilitation.”

The report said the above transactions were not supported by “evidence of authorisation and approvals before the deductions were made.”

The auditor general said the anomalies discovered in the accounts of the NNPCL could be attributed to weaknesses in its internal control system. It could also amount to misappropriation of funds, diversion of revenue meant for the federation and loss of federation revenue, the report stated.

The deductions of funds violated Section 162 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which states: “The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the Federation Account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation, except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the armed forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or Department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

Similarly, it contravenes paragraph 213(ii) of the Financial Regulations (FR), which states that “On no account shall any withdrawal be made from the revenue account other than for the purpose of transfer to the consolidated account.” In addition, paragraph 223 of the FR 2009 states, “No deductions shall be made from any revenue collections or other receipts to adjust a previous over-credit. The gross amount received must, on all occasions, be accounted for in full. The procedure for refunds of revenue and advance payments above is prescribed in Financial Regulations 3006.”

The NNPCL management did not respond to the queries and concerns raised by the auditor general.

Auditors fear that the NNPCL’s actions may have resulted in the misappropriation of funds and the diversion of revenue meant for the federation.

The report then recommended that henceforth, the Group Chief Executive of NNPCL should ensure that amounts due for the “Federation Account are not subjected to any deductions before remittance of the net.”

The report stated that from the review of the NNPC SAP Payment record for March and May 2021, N484.7 billion was the gross amount generated for the sale of Domestic Crude for March and May 2021.

However, auditors said N343.6 billion from the gross amount was “unilaterally deducted” from the gross domestic crude sales to fund “NNPC Value shortfall, Strategic Stock Holding Cost, Crude Oil and Products Pipeline Losses, as well as the pipelines maintenance and management costs.”

Details of each of the cost components deducted above were not provided for audit review, hence reasons for the deductions could not be justified by the management of NNPCL, the report said.

It added that in May 2021, the net payable which could have been remitted ought to have been N127 billion but only N77 billion was remitted by the NNPCL, leaving an unremitted balance of N50 billion to the Federation Account, which has remained largely unaccounted for.

Again, these irregular deductions are in breach of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and 2009 Financial Regulations.

In this regard, the GCEO of the NNPCL was asked to provide reasons to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, why N343.6 billion was unilaterally deducted from the Federation Account revenue proceeds at source for the months of March and May 2021, contrary to the provisions of extant financial laws.

The auditor general also wants the N343 billion recovered “and remitted to the treasury.”

The auditor general also expressed shock at the warehousing of N83.6 billion from the federation’s miscellaneous income. Auditors observed from the review of the financial records of the NNPCL that N83.6 billion being miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from the year 2016 to 2020 was sunk into the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account instead of the Federation Account.

The auditor general is concerned that this practice ‘has led the Federation to resort to borrowings.’

Treasury Circular Ref. No. TRY/A12 & B12/2013 dated 19 November 2013, made it compulsory for unspent balances as of 31 December, or as may be extended, to be paid back to the treasury. Also, paragraph 414 of the Financial Regulations (FR) 2009 states

“…the unexpended portion of any sub-head shall not be drawn for the purpose of setting it in reserve to meet impending payments or be carried to a deposit or a suspense account…”

The auditor general suspects “the money may have been diverted.” Hence, he wants the funds recovered and remitted to the treasury.

Auditors also requested the GCEO of NNPCL to explain to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly why the N83.6 miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from 2016 to 2020 was sunk into the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account.

PREMIUM TIMES’ further review of the audit report reveals that N3.7 billion was controversially paid to a company as a shortfall in sales of MT cargo of PMS.

In 2021, an internal memo advised marketers to pay naira sales proceeds in advance into the company’s designated accounts, from which the company utilised N3.7 billion to purchase forex through NNPC Group treasury to pay the suppliers.

The auditor general said details of the transaction between the NNPC, PPMC and the company that gave rise to the N3.7 billion which was paid to the company as a shortfall on sales of MT cargo of petrol were not provided for audit.

The above transaction violated Paragraph 603 (i) of the Financial Regulations (FR) which states that: “All vouchers shall contain full particulars of each service, such as dates, numbers, quantities, distances and rates, so as to enable them to be checked without reference to any other documents and will invariably be supported by relevant documents such as local purchase orders, invoices, special letters of authority, time sheets, etc.”

Furthermore, paragraph 415 of the Financial Regulations (FR) states “The federal government requires all officers responsible for expenditure to exercise due economy. Money must not be spent merely because it has been voted.” Similarly, paragraph 3106 of FR states “A public officer who makes an irregular payment from public funds, shall be given 21 days notice to offer an explanation. Where no satisfactory explanation is given, the amount involved shall be recovered from the officer and such officer shall be removed from the schedule.”

The auditor general fears that the NNPCL’s actions may have resulted in a loss of public funds. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. Premium Times

The EFCC announced the development in a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, on. Monday.

The Commission emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for corruption within its ranks and reiterated that all allegations against staff members would be thoroughly investigated.

Oyewale stated, “The officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct. Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

“Olukoyede reiterated the commitment of the Commission to zero tolerance for corruption, warning that no officer is immune to disciplinary measures.

“Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.

“The Commission also wishes to alert the public of the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC.

“Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Kaka, and demanding $1 million from him for ‘Olukoyede to give him soft landing’ on a non-existing investigation.

“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity that cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to always report such disreputable elements to the Commission.

“Additionally, the EFCC is aware of moves being hatched in some quarters to blackmail officers of the Commission through unwholesome means. Suspects being investigated for some economic and financial crimes who have failed to compromise their investigators would always clutch at any straw. Such blackmailers should not be accorded any form of attention.” Nation

Reacting to comments made by Morka during a television program on January 5, where he said, “Mr Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it,” the former Anambra governor revealed that his New Year message led to threats against his life, family, and those around him.

Reacting to Morka’s statement on X, Obi said if he had truly crossed the line as the APC spokesperson claimed, he invites anyone to point it out.

He however stated that he will not be silenced in his resolve to speak truthfully as the nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.

Obi said, “Have I truly crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me.

“While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.

“If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.

“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children.” Sun

This was as the court on December 20, dismissed the suit seeking to compel the Governor of the state to represent the N800billion 2024 Budget of the state to the aggrieved 27 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

This followed a suit marked, PHC/3552/CS/2024 filed by the Registered Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners against the Government of Rivers State, Governor of Rivers State and Attorney General of the state.

The suit amongst other things sought that the court presided by Justice Sika Aprioku order to compel the defendants to represent the 2024 Budget to the 27 lawmakers.

The claimants in the suit questioned the failure of the defendants to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State to the State House of Assembly led by Amaewhule for enactment into law.

However, Justice Aprioku in his judgement after considering the arguments of the parties in the matter said the Governor can transact business with the members that did not vacate their seats.

The certified true copy of the judgment, sighted by Vanguard read in part: “The Governor cannot carry on business with those who defected and by that act of defection, lost their seats.

“Therefore, the same way His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presented Budgets and financial Bills with only Six members, when the numbers were less than two third 2/3 of the 32 Members, so shall His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State be constitutionally guided to interface, and approach the properly constituted House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, to carry on business of the State and until the 27 Lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, approaches the Court, for a redemption or INEC conducts another election to the seats vacated by the 27 Lawmakers upon their defection.

“In sum, until the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the issue of jurisdiction which affects the status of the 27 Lawmakers, it is only those who did not vacate their seats, the Governor can, constitutionally approach to present budget, appoint Chief Judges and President Customary Court. Also screen Commissioners, including the Attorney General and make Board appointments.

“That the claimant’s claim seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs for the Representation of the 2024 Budget to the former 27 lawmakers, who defected and automatically vacated their seats, lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.

“That this suit be and is hereby dismissed, with cost in the sum of N500, 000.00, awarded in favour of the defendants and against the claimant.”

Vanguard

Governor Babagana Zulum announced this during the flag-off of distribution of farm inputs to prospective farmers resettled by his administration in Bama and environs on Friday night.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bama was among the areas overrun by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014, but was liberated by the Nigerian military in March 2015.

The governor was on a two-day tour of the local government Area to facilitate the resettlement of people displaced from Bama and environs due to insurgency.

Zulum had earlier visited Abbaram town, a village located in the Eastern part of Kur Mohammed military barracks where his administration plans to construct 1,000 shelters for the returnees.

He also visited Darajamal to assess the destruction caused by Boko Haram insurgents there.

Speaking after the visitation, the governor said that one of the major challenges facing irrigation farmers in the area was the rising cost of petrol.

“As a result, I want to announce to the general public that the state government will procure petroleum products and sell to the farmers at a subsidised rate.

“Currently petrol is being sold in Maiduguri at N1,200 per litre, but inshaa Allah (God willing), henceforth for irrigation farmers this season, a litre of petrol will be sold at N600.

“The Commissioner for Agriculture will work with the Brigade Commander to ensure the delivery of the petroleum products to farmers in Bama town as soon as possible,” Zulum said.

According to him, the planned fuel subsidy was designed to cushion the effects of high cost of farming activities.

He said there was the need to support the vulnerable in an effort to fully reintegrate them into the society without any form of discrimination.

The governor also gave 2,000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 1,000 units of water pumps, and 620 units of gasoline pumps to the farmers for free.

The governor also distributed 380 units of solar water pumps, 1,000 units of sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hose, and 1,000 litres of pesticide and seedlings to the farmers.

He said that the incentives would propel Agricultural productivity and prepare the farmers to be employers of labour in the near future.

Earlier, the Shehu of Bama, Dr Umar Elkanemi, thanked the governor for the love and care he has been showing to the people of Bama in particular and the Borno people in general.

He assured the governor that his laudable investments in Bama and the surrounding communities would not be in vain.

Zulum was accompanied by the Senator representing Borno Central, Sen. Kaka Lawan, and members of the House of Representatives from the area.

The new members – Somalia, Pakistan, Panama, Greece, and Denmark – are taking seats vacated by Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms ended on 31 December.

Elected by the General Assembly in June, the new members will serve from 1 January to 31 December 2026, as non-permanent members.

There are 10 elected members of the Council, who serve alongside the five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The flags of the countries set to serve during 2025 and 2026 were installed during a special ceremony outside the chamber at the UN headquarters in New York.

Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Security Council president for January, thanked the outgoing members and warmly welcomed the newcomers, describing it as an “immense privilege” as well as “a huge responsibility.”

“The world is facing many challenges that are threatening international peace and security.

“The situation in the Middle East is highly concerning,” he said.

He urged all Council members to work tirelessly and effectively “and to uphold the values of multilateralism.” Premium Times