… says “I stand by my words”
…urges media to visit partners facilities, conducts independent validations of NCDMB projects executed by Wabote
Temitayo Ayoola
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) has reaffirmed claims that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) under former Executive Secretary, Engr Simbi Wabote, misused almost $500 million on non-performing equity investments and loans.
The Minister reaffirmed this in a statement released by Nneamaka Okafor, his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, and obtained by Advisors Reports on Tuesday, on the sideline of Wabote’s dismissal of his recent remark at the Petroleum Club, where he alleged that the investments made during former NCDMB’s ES seven-year tenure were wasteful.
According to the Minister’s spokesperson, “Our position is that he who alleges must prove same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide same.
Okafor described as “blatant lies from the pit of hell” a recent media statement made by Simbi Wabote, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB), alleging that the office of the Minister requested for an increase of N30 billion for the NCDMB budget for the office of the Minister.
The Minister’s aide further emphasized that Senator Lokpobiri does not have an aide named Blackson, affirming that all his aides were appointed in accordance with existing laws and possess the necessary documentation to support their appointments.
According to the statement, “The Minister in his capacity as Chairman of the Governing Council stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event 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’s hometown, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is.
‘’Fourthly, the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical company was also paid for, journalists are encouraged to visit the site to verify the facts about the investment.
The Minister therefore noted that investigations are ongoing and the truth about the wasteful spending of NCDMB under Wabote will be exposed to public glare adding that all monies belonging to the generality of Nigerians will be recovered by the Federal Government for Nigerians.
The statement said, “Let me add that these revelations are not new, they were first made during an investigative hearing of the House of Representative Committee on local content.
“Again, the records are there, and the general public are encouraged to verify these facts.
“The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry.
‘’Finally, the Minister’s office is run with a budget superintended by the Permanent Secretary and so one will wonder, how the Minister will ask another entity to make provisions for the budget of his Office.
“The Minister has an impeccable record from his time as Minister of Agric and will continue to stand for the truth.
“The Minister and indeed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB will not abdicate his responsibility to please anyone. He has a responsibility to ensure that, that which belongs to Nigerians is judiciously used for Nigerians,” the Minister’s spokeperson said.
The Minister’s aide therefore observed that Mr. Wabote’s response to the allegation indicated that the former Executive Secretary of the NCDMB is still harboring feelings of resentment over being replaced despite his seven-year tenure at the Board.
This latest development, according to the statement by the Minister’s spokesperson, exemplifies the adage that “when you take a stand against corruption, corruption may retaliate.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) has therefore called on the media to conduct independent verifications of projects executed by the NCDMB under the leadership of Simbi Wabote.
He also urged journalists to visit partner facilities to validate the projects and confirm the statement he made regarding the questionable utilization of NCDMB’s funds.
Advisors Reports’ check showed that Wabote, the former Executive Secretary of NCDMB had in a statement issued earlier responding to claims made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources accused Senator Lokpobiri of presenting false narratives and engaging in what he described as character assassination, treachery, and a “waste” agenda.
Wabote stated that in August 2023, he led the management of NCDMB to provide a full briefing to Lokpobiri and the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum – Gas, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, which included information on the status of the Board’s projects, partnerships, intervention funds, TSA account balances, HCD programs, Forensic Audits, and other strategic initiatives under the NCDMB 10-year Strategic Roadmap.
The former Board’s ES also stated that Senator Lokpobiri visited various NCDMB sites between September and November 2023, including the Nigerian Content Tower, NCDMB Fire Station, NCDMB Conference Hotel, NCDMB Creche, NCDMB NOGAPS Industrial Park, Waltersmith Refinery, NCDMB Interventions within the PTDF Skills Center in Omagwa, and the Brass Fertiliser partnership arrangement with NNPC and DSV Engineering.
Wabote denied the Minister’s claims that 90% of the NC Intervention Fund managed by BOI is not performing and that the partnership was for a “fertiliser factory,” stating that the partnership is for the establishment of a 10,000TPD Methanol plant.
He also noted that the status of the fifteen (15) Board’s partnerships can be grouped into five categories, including commissioned and operational, ready for commissioning, under construction, in search of debt financing, and under divestment considerations.
Wabote therefore implored the Minister to visit the construction sites to avail himself of facts on the ground.
