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NLNG Dividends Account: NNPC Must Clarify $3.16bn Withdrawal …Issues One-Week Ultimatum -Senate Insists
The Senate, yesterday gave the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) an ultimatum of one week to provide it with details of 22 withdrawals from Nigeria Liquidfied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends account which amounts to a total sum of $3.1 billion within two weeks.
The Senate has also asked the Acting Director of Banking Services of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Christopher Olumukore, who stood in for CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to also submit within one week “all the withdrawal authorisation you had including all the originating mandates and all the approvals”.
According to the Senate, the NNPC would submit the details of withdrawals from May 2015 till date. Speaking in Abuja during the investigation by the Senate Committee on Gas on the alleged $1.05 billion withdrawn from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, dividend in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Chairman of the committee, Senator Albert Akpan, PDP Akwa Ibom North East, directed the NNPC to furnish the committee with all dividends accruing from the NLNG and all withdrawals from the account since 2015.
Senator Akpan expressed dissatisfaction with the documents submitted to the committee by the NNPC, lamenting that the nation’s oil corporation failed to present back up documents for the 22 withdrawals by NNPC from NLNG dividends account.
According to him, the corporation has up till November 30 to supply the committee secretariat with comprehensive list of the 22 withdrawals totalling $3.2 billion made from the NLNG dividend account with the CBN since 2015, adding that the committee would reconvene on December 13 to look at all the submissions by both NNPC and CBN”.
Meanwhile, the committee was told that over 45 withdrawals were made from the NLNG dividend accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, since 1999.
In his presentation, the Chief Financial Officer, CFO, of NNPC, Mr Isiaka Abdulrasaq, who stood in for Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Maikati Baru disclosed to the Senate committee at its meeting in Room 224, Senate New Building that since the NLNG Dividend Account was opened with the CBN in 1999, not less than 45 withdrawals had been made in the account.
Abdulrazaq however told the committee that the investigation should begin from 1999 when the account was established, just as he said that 44 withdrawals were made out that account till now.
In trying to speak further and shed more light on the total cost of the withdrawals, the Chairman of the committee stopped Abdulrazaq, saying that was not the information required from him by the committee.
The committee through Senator Emmanuel Paulker, PDP, Bayelsa Central opposed the NNPC that they only needed details of withdrawals from 2015 till date.
Also in his reaction, Senator Osinachukwu Ideozu (Rivers West) however expressed concerns over the competence of Abdulrasaq to occupy the CFO position in NNPC against the backdrop of how he confronted the committee members.
At this point, Akpan told Abdulrazaq that he cannot dictate to the committee how to go about its findings “so you must abide by our rules of engagement and not teach us our work”.
According to him, from the brief the NNPC submitted to the committee, there were a lot of missing links which the committee will require to do its job. But, the Executive Director of Finance (NNPC) opposed the Chairman of the committee, noting that NNPC had provided the schedule of dividends received from 2015 till date, but the supporting documents were still being combined.
Meanwhile, at the meeting, Olumukore had earlier told the committee that the dividend account domiciled with the apex bank was being operated by both NNPC and Ministry of Finance.
According to him, mandates for withdrawal from the account were usually from the NNPC and on some occasions from the Finance Minister. It would be recalled that the Senate Committee on Gas last week said it had uncovered a fresh illegal withdrawal of $1.15 billion from the dividends accounts of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The new revelation is different from the $1.05 billion which the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, had earlier admitted to that was withdrawn following a presidential directive.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
