Reps to probe NNPC over alleged N20bn payment to ‘ghost consultants’

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged diversion of N20 billion by the staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

The resolution was passed during the plenary session on Thursday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ibrahim Kawu, a lawmaker from Kano.

Kawu said the diverted funds by the staff of the NNPC were “part of monies meant for payment of taxes to state governments“.

He said the action of the NNPC staff was sabotage to the government’s effort in generating revenue.

“If no action is urgently taken by this hallowed chamber to nip this unwholesome practice in the bud, it will negatively affect the fortunes of our nation as well as deprive state governments of access to revenue,” the lawmaker said.

BACKGROUND

A report by an online newspaper had accused the management of the defunct Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) of diverting the money in the guise of paying consultants.

However, Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC’s spokesperson, denied the report, saying the national oil firm did not have or deal with ghost consultants.

Muhammad said the process of engaging consultants whenever the need arises is “clear and verifiable and follows global best practices”.

“It is, therefore, unfortunate that for whatever reason, the said online platform would make such a grievous allegation, mindless of the consequences of such actions,” he said.

“The claim of a missing N20 billion is absolutely false and baseless.”