Finance Ministry Debunks Allegations of 13bn Contract Irregularities

Finance Ministry Debunks Allegations of 13bn Contract Irregularities

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Finance has denied allegations that it awarded contracts worth N13 billion without adhering to due process.

The statement, issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

This is coming as a rebuttal to recent claims made by an online publication-Akelicious.

The allegations, which suggest that contracts were awarded between February and June 2024 under the leadership of Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy,  Wale Edun, and Permanent Secretary, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, have been described as “unfounded” and “malicious.”

“The Ministry wishes to unequivocally state that at no time were such contracts awarded without due process. These claims are not only aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary but also seek to distract from the ongoing initiatives to revamp the nation’s economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Manga stated.

The statement further clarified that all contracts awarded during the specified period, including those related to the Presidential Initiatives on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi CNG), were conducted in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Act and other relevant laws.

“Any insinuation of corruption or irregularities as claimed in the publication is baseless and without merit,” he asserted.

The Ministry also highlighted its dedication to maintaining a transparent operational framework, stating, “We are committed to efficient management of the national economy and recognize the vital role of the media in promoting good governance. We urge the media to always cross-check information before publication.”

In light of the allegations, the Ministry has warned that it will not hesitate to pursue legal action against any individual or organization that seeks to damage its reputation through false and malicious publications.

“We urge the public to disregard this publication and be assured that the Ministry is diligently working to implement the President’s economic reforms and improve the lives of Nigerians,” Manga concluded.