Connect with us

NEWS

Non remission of 6 Years Audited Accounts: Reps C’ttee Summon NNPC GMD Kyari, 18 others

Published

on

Nigeria is not refining crude locally – NNPC GMD

 

***Commences Probe Thursday

John Akubo

The House of Representatives panel on Public Accounts has summoned the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited Mele Kyari, and accounting officers of 18 subsidiaries of NNPC over allegations bothering on the nonrendition of audited accounts between 2014 and 2019.

According to the audit queries issued by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation, over N663.89 billion was not remitted by NNPC into the Federation Account in 2019.

The report further showed that while the NNPC Upstream arm of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) claimed to transfer the sum of N1.27 trillion into the Federation Account, the audit report revealed that NNPC remitted the sum of N608.71 billion.

Read Also >> Petrol: NNPC Cautions Against Year-End Panic Buying

The oAuGF report observed that the sum of N519,922,433,918.46 was transferred to the Federation Account by the NNPC based on transfer mandates.
To this end, oAuGF requested the “reconciliation statement for the difference of N88,787,862,853.96 between AGF’s figure of N608,710,296,772.42 and NNPC’s figure per transfer mandate of N519,922,433,918.46.”

The Audit report further observed that 107,239,436.00 barrels of crude oil were lifted as domestic crude, while the allocation of crude oil to refineries for a billing date of 9th January to 29th May 2019 was 2,764,267.00 bbls valued at N55,891,009,960.63.”

It stated further that “Information on Sale of unutilized crude oil by Refineries for 2019 was not provided, and Information on crude oil allocations from 30th May to 31st December 2019 was not provided for scrutiny.

While alleging possible diversion of domestic crude, diversion of sale of unutilized crude as well as possible loss of Federation Account revenue, the report said the management of the NNPC failed to respond to the audit query.

Auditor General also alleged that NNPC spent US$6.410 million, (=N1.955 trillion at N305/US$1) to fund Joint Venture Cash Calls (JVCC) and other federally funded upstream projects such as Gas Infrastructure Development, Brass LNG, Crude Oil Pre-Export Inspection Agency Expenses, Frontier Exploration Services, EGTL Operating Expenses, and NESS Fee and another N55.157 billion on Pipeline Security and Maintenance without first paying the money into the Federation Account.

The invitation to the NNPC Group Managing Director was signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Oluwole Oke via a letter titled: ‘Re-Consideration of Auditor General of the Federation annual report for 2019 financial year,” with Reference No: HR/PAC/SCO5/9NASS/QUE.40/43 was dated 1st April 2022.

“I refer to your appearance before this Committee on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, on the above subject matter and the Committee’s resolution to request that you come along to the next session with the Chief Accounting Officers of all NNPC Subsidiaries.

“A new date has been fixed for your appearance. You are to cause an appearance before the Committee on Thursday 7th April 2022 at 11:00 am in Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives New Building.

“This is to inform you that the Committee does not allow representation, you are to appear in person to defend your accounts laid before the Parliament.

“You are to come along with Officers who are familiar with the issues at stake and may assist you to provide answers to any question that could arise during the Session,” the letter read in part.

Some of the NNPC subsidiaries are; Nigeria Petroleum Development Corporation Limited; Kaduna Refinery & Petrochemical Company; Pipeline & Products Marketing Company Limited; Duke Oil Company Inc.; West Africa Gas Limited; Nidas Marine Limited Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG); Hayson (Nigeria) Limited and Nigeria Gas Company.

NEWS

Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

Published

on

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

Published

on

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

Published

on

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.