Ministry of Finance rejects ₦ 13 billion contract scandal as unfounded, legal measures due to incorrect claims

The Federal Ministry of Finance has expressly referred reports

In a declaration published on Monday, the Ministry confirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and strict compliance with the procurement laws, especially in projects in connection with the presidential initiative for compressed natural gas (PI-CNG).

The allegations, which were distributed by an unnamed online media company, accused the Ministry under the leadership of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Coordination of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the constant secretary Ms. Lydia Shehu Jafiya – by SIDESTATE, which are awarded public procurement regulations for the award of the contractual processes.

In response to this, the Ministry stated that “all contracts awarded during the reference period were fully carried out with the law on the public procurement law and the relevant legal guidelines”. The explanation emphasized that adequate care, permits and procedures were strictly followed, especially for projects of national importance such as the PI-CNG, which is of central importance for the transition of the government to the cleaner energy.

The director of information and public relations in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, who signed the explanation, condemned the publication as an orchestrated efforts to make the integrity of the most important civil servants at a time when the Ministry is driving sensitive economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubus renewed Hope Agenda.

“This smear campaign is not only unfounded, but is clearly geared towards distracting from the far -reaching fiscal reforms and the current economic recovery efforts,” said the Ministry.

Manga confirmed the ministry's zero tolerance guideline to corruption and mismanagement of the ministry and emphasized its ongoing efforts to institutionalize transparency through open budgeting, e-procurement platforms and regular inspections to check the exam.

The Ministry also admitted a strict warning to the media and online publisher and asked them to exercise ethical responsibility and fact-based reporting, and added that it “will not hesitate to pursue legal steps against an outlet that deals with the publication of false, defamatory or slanderer claims.”

In a calming tone for the Nigerian public, the ministry concluded: “We ask the citizens to disregard the untruths to be distributed. The ministry continues to focus on providing solid economic management and guidelines that stabilize the economy, increasing the trust of investors and ultimately improving the quality of life of all Nigerians.”

This official rejection corresponds to the broader state strategy to protect the credibility of institutions at a time when public trust and international investments for economic recovery are of crucial importance.