The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) wasted over $500 million of the industry’s fund in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that are now non-performing. Lokpobiri made this known in Lagos yesterday.
The minister while reacting to a recent media report credited to former Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, said it was untrue that his office requested for an increase on NCDMB’ budget by N30 billion for the office of the minister.
Media aide to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor, in a statement said: “Our position is that he who alleges must prove the same. “So, if Mr Wabote has proof of such a conversation, he is challenged to provide same. ‘’Secondly, the Minister has no aide called Blackson.
All His aides were duly selected in line with extant laws and have documents to that effect. “The Minister in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council stands by the statement he made in Lagos, and as journalists I welcome you to visit the places mentioned to verify the allegations for yourself.”
‘’Thirdly, the said Atlantic Refinery was supposed to be built in Mr Wabote hometown, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is. ‘’Fourthly, the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company was also paid for, you are welcomed to also visit the site to verify the facts for yourself.”
‘’The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry, you are welcomed to visit these agencies to verify for yourself.”
