The Senate, on Monday, January 18, criticised the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for spending, without due process, N98.4 million to supposedly print leaflets.
1st News gathered that the leaflets were alleged to have been printed as part of an awareness campaign programme for the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
President Muhammadu Buhari is the substantive minister of Petroleum Resources ministry, a portfolio he has held since coming to office in 2015, while he also appointed a minister of state for the ministry, to oversee the days to day running of affairs.
However, the Senate remained unsatisfied with the explanation offered by the ministry, while mandating it to return the money to the federation account.
It also asked the ministry to refund another N39 million paid into two personal accounts to monitor the project within Abuja.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SPAC’s) gave the order following a query issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2015 report and brought before it for probe and presentation to the plenary of the Senate.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mathew Uroghide (PDP Edo South) made this known to newsmen on Saturday.
The queries which were made available to newsmen read:
“Contrary to the procurement process, an entry in the cash book for the sum of N98.4 million was made in favour of a company for printing of leaflets for awareness campaign programme for the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
“There was no formal award of contract and it was also observed that the approval for the payment was via memo presented by the Director (Press) to Ministerial Tender Board meeting of 9th and 11th October 2013.
“The permanent secretary had been requested to take procedural disciplinary measures against the erring officers in line with the provision with extant regulation.”
In its written response to the Senate, the ministry replied that it made adequate publicity for the project.
“M/s Dangrace and partners Ltd were selected based on proven capabilities and competence.
“It should be stated that veritable costing proposals were submitted and approved before the Authorization for the award and production of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) leaflets.
“The Department complied with necessary rule and procedure,” it said.
