Finance Ministry Denies ₦13bn Contract Award Allegation
…Affirms Due Process in All Transactions
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Ministry of Finance has rejected claims that it awarded contracts worth ₦13 billion between February and June 2024 without following the stipulated legal procedures.
The allegation, which targets the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, was described by the Ministry as false and malicious.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Ministry stated that “at no time were such contracts awarded without due process.” It clarified that every contract awarded within the specified timeframe, including those related to the Presidential Initiatives on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), was conducted in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act and all other applicable laws and regulations.
Describing the report as lacking in merit, the Ministry said there is no basis for the claims of corruption or irregularities as alleged in the publication.
According to the Ministry, “The claims are not only unfounded but also malicious, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya. These allegations appear to be deliberate distractions from the ongoing economic initiatives currently being implemented in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Ministry added that it remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability, which it says is evident in the ongoing management of the national economy. It stressed that all its operations are subject to due diligence and adhere to established procedures.
While acknowledging the important role of the media in promoting good governance, the Ministry cautioned against the spread of misinformation. It encouraged journalists and media organisations to verify facts before publication, warning that it would not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or groups who publish false or defamatory content aimed at damaging the reputation of the Ministry or its officials.
It urged the public to disregard the publication in question and assured Nigerians of its continued efforts to implement economic reforms designed to improve national productivity, economic stability, and the quality of life of citizens.
The statement comes amidst increasing public scrutiny of government spending and contract awards, particularly as economic reform efforts intensify under the current administration. The Ministry maintained that its activities are aligned with the broader goals of the federal government and that it remains focused on fulfilling its mandate without distractions.
