The Federal Ministry of Finance has strongly denied reports alleging irregular contract awards totaling ₦13 billion between February and June 2024, describing the accusations as “unfounded, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”
In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to procurement laws, especially in projects related to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).
The allegations, circulated by an unnamed online media outlet, accused the Ministry — under the leadership of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya — of sidestepping public procurement regulations in awarding the contracts.
In response, the Ministry declared that “all contracts awarded during the referenced period were executed in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act and relevant statutory guidelines.” The statement emphasized that proper due diligence, approvals, and procedures were strictly followed, especially for projects of national significance such as the Pi-CNG, which is central to the government’s transition to cleaner energy.
Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, who signed the statement, condemned the publication as an orchestrated effort to smear the integrity of key public officials at a time when the Ministry is driving sensitive economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This smear campaign is not only baseless but is clearly designed to distract from the far-reaching fiscal reforms and economic recovery efforts currently underway,” the Ministry said.
Manga reiterated the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and mismanagement, highlighting its ongoing efforts to institutionalize transparency through open budgeting, e-procurement platforms, and regular audit compliance reviews.
The Ministry also issued a stern warning to media outlets and online publishers, urging them to exercise ethical responsibility and fact-based reporting, adding that it “will not hesitate to pursue legal action against any outlet that engages in the publication of false, defamatory, or libelous claims.”
In a reassuring tone to the Nigerian public, the Ministry concluded, “We urge citizens to disregard the falsehoods being circulated. The Ministry remains focused on delivering sound economic management and policies that will stabilize the economy, boost investor confidence, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.”
This official denial aligns with the broader government strategy to protect the credibility of institutions at a time when public trust and international investment are critical to economic recovery.
