Connect with us

News

Nigerian Government to Hire External Auditor for N2.7 Trillion Fuel Subsidy Review

Published

on

Photo source: Google

The Nigerian government has unveiled plans to hire an external auditor to review the N2.7 trillion fuel subsidy claims made by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The goal is to assist the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) in determining the actual amount owed by the government to NNPCL for fuel subsidies.

According to official records, a forensic audit will focus on NNPCL’s claims from 2015 to 2021.

It aims to verify the N2.7 trillion withheld by NNPCL, with the Director of Home Finance stating that the OAuGF is still working on the matter.

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance’s Procurement Department has already put measures in place to hire an external auditor, who will support the OAuGF in conducting the review.

Advertisement

In the same meeting, the Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum and Head of Finance from Ekiti State recommended that the audit period be extended to December 2023, given that the audit process has yet to begin.

This suggestion followed the initial proposal to launch the audit four months earlier during the Federation Allocation Accounts Committee’s April 2024 meeting.

Initially, NNPCL claimed that the government owed a total of N6 trillion for fuel subsidies. However, this amount was reduced to N2.7 trillion after a previous audit conducted by KPMG.

The forthcoming audit will cover six years to ensure accuracy and transparency in reconciling the subsidy claims.

This latest development follows the “subsidy is gone” declaration made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 30, 2023.

Advertisement

Shortly after this announcement, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, informed reporters that the Federal Government still owed the company N2.8 trillion in outstanding subsidy payments.

According to Kyari, NNPCL has been covering the cost of petrol subsidies through its cash flow, as the government has been unable to make payments.

He highlighted that despite budgetary provisions of N6 trillion in 2022 and N3.7 trillion in 2023 for fuel subsidies, the Federal Government has not made any payments to NNPCL.

The company has had to absorb the cost, which is now an unsustainable financial burden.

Kyari emphasized that the government still owes NNPCL around N2.8 trillion and that the company cannot continue to carry the financial strain of the subsidy regime much longer.

Advertisement

The decision to engage an external auditor is seen as a crucial step towards resolving these financial discrepancies and determining the accurate amount of subsidy claims owed to NNPCL.

The audit is expected to shed light on the actual amount of debt and could potentially influence future subsidy policies and financial arrangements between NNPCL and the government.


 

News

LeBron James Steps Away from Social Media, Cites Negativity in Sports Coverage

Published

on


 

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.

The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.

Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”

In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”

Advertisement

James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.

 


 

Continue Reading

News

Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025

Published

on


Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.

The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.


 

Continue Reading

News

Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture

Published

on


Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.

At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.

The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.

The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending