Probe missing N3.1bn in finance ministry, SERAP tells Buhari - Newstrends
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Probe missing N3.1bn in finance ministry, SERAP tells Buhari

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has written to President Muhammadu Buhari demanding an immediate probe into allegations that over N3bn is missing or diverted from the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The group in a letter to the President asked him to “use his good offices to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter.

It said the allegations were documented in the 2018 and 2019 annual audited reports by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered.”

The letter dated 24 December 2021 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated, “The reports suggest a grave violation of the public trust. As trustee of public funds, the Ministry of Finance ought to ensure strict compliance with transparency and accountability rules and regulations.”

SERAP said, “As a key agency of government, the ministry has a sacred duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of the country’s resources. This implies providing strong leadership in the efforts to curb public sector corruption.

“This leadership is important for the Ministry to enjoy the public trust and confidence essential for its effectiveness and impact.”

SERAP also stated, “The allegations that N3,143,718,976.47 of public funds is missing will also clearly amount to a fundamental breach of national anti-corruption laws and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations including under the UN Convention Against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

The letter read in part, “Investigating and prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would improve the chances of success of your government’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and end the impunity of perpetrators. It will also serve the public interest.

“According to the report of the Auditor-General for 2018, the Ministry of Finance spent N24,708,090.00 on pre-retirement training but without any document. The consultant hired also failed to quote any price as cost of the training but the Ministry paid N5,670,060.00 to the consultant. Request for payment from the consultant was dated 20 January 2017 while the first payment voucher in his favour was dated 13 January 2017 (7 days before his request).

 

“The ministry also reportedly failed to account for N2,885,772,493.27 released to the Ministry from the Service Wide Vote to take care of estacodes and other allowances for representing the Federal Government in meetings, and contribution to Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).”

“The money was spent without approval, and any documents. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been mismanaged.”

“The ministry also reportedly awarded a contract on 17th May 2017 for N98,540,500.00 without any document, contrary to the Public Procurement Act. The project was not also budgeted for. There was no evidence of performance of the contract. The ministry also deducted N9,354,809.52 as WHT and VAT but without any evidence of remittance. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.

“The Ministry also reportedly spent N98,759,299.20 between January and December 2017 without any document, contrary to Financial Regulation 601.

“According to the 2019 report of the Auditor-General, the ministry paid N20,466,744.00 as cash advances to staff of ‘You-Win’ between 8 February and 18 December, 2018 but the Ministry has failed to retire the money.

“The advances were granted for the purchase of store items, repairs and other services that would have been made through the award of contract. Government lost N2,046,674.40 which would have accrued as taxes had these jobs been undertaken through award of contracts. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

“The ministry also reportedly paid N15,471,850.00 to two consultants for capacity building in Kano and Adamawa states but without any supporting document, contrary to paragraph 603 (1) of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted, and wants it recovered.”

“SERAP notes that the consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs, and undermines economic development of the country, trapping the majority of Nigerians in poverty and depriving them of employment opportunities.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

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Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn

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Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn

Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the commencement of the Dangote Refinery initial public offering (IPO), clearing the way for the highly anticipated public sale of shares in one of Africa’s largest industrial projects.

Under the approved offer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE will offer 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, with the transaction capable of raising approximately ₦2.15 trillion if fully subscribed.

The development represents a major milestone for the Dangote Refinery IPO and could make the transaction one of the largest public offerings ever undertaken in Nigeria and potentially one of the biggest in Africa.

The SEC conveyed its approval in a letter to Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, the Lead Issuing House for the transaction. The letter was signed by Abdulkadir Abbas, Director of the SEC’s Securities and Investment Services Department.

The regulator also registered the company’s existing 120.13 billion ordinary shares, while approving the refinery’s draft offer documents and authorising it to proceed with the Completion Board Meeting and Signing Ceremony.

The approval brings the refinery significantly closer to its planned entry into the Nigerian capital market, where investors will have an opportunity to acquire a direct stake in one of the country’s most strategically important energy assets.

The Dangote Refinery shares are expected to be offered to a broad range of investors, with the order book scheduled to open on September 14, 2026, according to the latest details surrounding the transaction.

The proposed offer involves 4.1 billion shares priced at ₦525 each, translating to a potential gross fundraising of about ₦2.15 trillion, or roughly $1.5 billion at prevailing exchange rates.

The transaction is also expected to include a 15 per cent greenshoe option, which would give the company the flexibility to sell additional shares if demand exceeds the initial offer.

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The proceeds are expected to support Dangote Group’s ambitious plans to expand the refinery’s capacity from its current 650,000 barrels per day nameplate capacity to approximately 1.4 million barrels per day.

The refinery reached its 650,000-barrel-per-day nameplate capacity earlier in 2026 and has subsequently tested production of up to 700,000 barrels per day.

If the planned expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day is completed, the facility would become the world’s largest refinery, surpassing existing mega-refineries in other parts of the world.

The expansion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global refined petroleum products market while further increasing the country’s ability to process crude oil domestically.

Located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex occupies approximately 2,635 hectares and forms part of one of Africa’s largest integrated industrial developments.

The complex combines crude oil refining, petrochemical production, power generation, storage and marine logistics infrastructure.

It includes a 900,000-tonnes-per-annum polypropylene plant and a dedicated 435-megawatt power plant, giving the facility substantial internal energy-generation capacity.

The refinery also has extensive storage infrastructure comprising 177 tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 4.742 billion litres.

Its marine facilities include multiple quays capable of handling large vessels, liquid cargo shipments and roll-on/roll-off operations, while its crude and product-handling infrastructure is designed to support large-scale domestic distribution and exports.

The complex also has five Single Point Moorings (SPMs) designed to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of crude oil and petroleum products.

The scale of the facility has enabled Dangote Refinery to increasingly serve both the Nigerian market and international destinations as production expands.

Since commencing operations, the refinery has become an increasingly important supplier of refined petroleum products in Nigeria, while also developing an export business serving markets across Africa and Europe.

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Growing exports of refined petroleum products have further strengthened the refinery’s strategic importance, particularly as Nigeria seeks to reduce its historic dependence on imported petroleum products.

The Dangote Refinery IPO is therefore being launched at a significant stage in the company’s development.

The refinery has already undergone major capital investment and is now seeking additional funding to increase its processing capacity and strengthen its position as a major regional energy hub.

Ahead of the IPO, the refinery also completed a major private fundraising exercise and secured additional financial backing to strengthen its position ahead of the public offering.

The proposed listing will also broaden investor participation in the refinery. Until now, ownership of the facility has largely remained within the Dangote Group and associated investors, meaning ordinary investors have had limited opportunities to directly participate in its growth.

The planned NGX listing could change that by opening the refinery’s ownership to a much wider pool of Nigerian and international investors.

Aliko Dangote has previously described the planned listing as an opportunity to broaden participation in the company and allow more Africans to benefit from the growth of one of the continent’s largest industrial investments.

The transaction could also have a significant impact on Nigeria’s capital market because of its sheer size.

A successful ₦2.15 trillion IPO would represent a substantial injection of new capital and could increase the depth, liquidity and attractiveness of the Nigerian equities market.

The listing is also expected to attract considerable attention from institutional investors, pension funds, asset managers, high-net-worth individuals and retail investors seeking exposure to the energy and industrial sectors.

For investors considering the Dangote Refinery shares, however, the ₦525 offer price will be only one part of the investment decision.

Prospective investors will need to examine the company’s final offer documents, financial performance, profitability, debt position, expansion requirements, dividend policy and exposure to changes in crude oil prices, petroleum product prices, exchange rates and global refining margins.

The ability of the refinery to maintain high utilisation rates and generate sufficient cash flow while simultaneously funding its planned expansion will also be closely watched by investors.

The company’s ability to expand its export markets could become increasingly important as its production capacity grows beyond Nigeria’s domestic requirements.

With the proposed expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day, Dangote Refinery is seeking to move beyond its role as Nigeria’s largest refinery and establish itself as a major global refining and petrochemical hub.

The ₦525 per share Dangote Refinery IPO consequently represents more than another stock market transaction. It could mark a new phase in the development of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector while giving investors direct access to one of the country’s most ambitious industrial projects.

As the expected September 14 opening approaches, market attention will increasingly focus on investor demand, the final terms of the offering and whether the refinery succeeds in raising the targeted ₦2.15 trillion.

If successfully completed, the IPO would give the Dangote Refinery a new ownership structure, provide additional capital for expansion and potentially establish one of the most significant new listings in the history of Nigeria’s capital market.

Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn

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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium mobility campaign to the Federal Capital Territory, with the flagship G700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline a three-day luxury automotive showcase in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.

The Abuja experience, coming on the heels of the brand’s major showcase in Lagos, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s aggressive drive to deepen its presence in the country’s premium automotive market while introducing consumers to a new generation of electrified mobility.

The G700 PHEV, positioned as Jetour’s flagship luxury SUV, combines executive-class comfort with advanced hybrid technology and serious off-road capability.

The model’s arrival in Abuja also comes at a time the brand is gaining increasing recognition in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Jetour Nigeria was recently honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year, underscoring its expanding market presence.

At the heart of the G700 is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, paired with dual electric motors. The powertrain delivers a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, offering a response to one of the major concerns surrounding electrified vehicles—range anxiety.

The flagship SUV also comes equipped with adaptive suspension, triple differential locks and up to 970mm wading capability, giving it the muscle to handle demanding terrain while retaining the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle.

Inside, the six-seat G700 delivers a premium cabin experience, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display, an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system and an onboard refrigerator.

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The Abuja showcase is expected to attract government officials, corporate executives, fleet managers, motoring enthusiasts and members of the media. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the G700 through an exclusive vehicle reveal, hands-on demonstrations and VIP test drives.

Jetour Nigeria promises ownership support

Beyond the vehicle itself, Jetour Nigeria is highlighting its after-sales support as a key component of the ownership proposition.

Customers purchasing through its authorised network will benefit from a five-year or 150,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, access to genuine spare parts, software upgrades and certified technical support.

The company currently operates through seven accredited dealerships, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Motors.

Jetour Nigeria is inviting prospective customers and automotive stakeholders to register for the Abuja experience and secure VIP test-drive slots.

Registration, vehicle specifications and event updates are available through www.jetournigeria.com, Instagram @jetour_nigeria and @Jetourngofficial, or via info@jetournigeria.com.

 

Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

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IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost

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IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost

IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory will begin reviewing petrol pump prices in the coming days as new products enter the market. The National Publicity Secretary of IPMANChinedu Ukadike, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. He said marketers were preparing to adjust their pricing and sales strategies in response to changes in the cost of petroleum products. Ukadike, however, said the exact timing of the adjustment remained uncertain because marketers were yet to receive a definite date for the arrival of the new products. “Once the new products begin arriving, marketers are expected to respond quickly by reviewing their prices and updating their product offerings,” he said. He added that purchases could commence within the next few days, depending on when the process officially begins, and assured that the adjustments would be made in line with existing rules and regulations.

The development follows a series of adjustments to the gantry, or ex-depot, price of Premium Motor Spirit by the Dangote Refinery. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the refinery raised its petrol ex-depot price from N1,165 per litre to N1,185, then N1,200 and subsequently N1,265 within the last week. The latest adjustment, which took effect on August 29, represented a N65 per litre increase from the previous N1,200 price. It was the third price adjustment by the refinery in eight days, adding N100 to the price of petrol at the refinery’s gantry—an 8.6 per cent increase within just eight days. The repeated adjustments have created uncertainty for both marketers and consumers, as the cost of replacing products could change substantially within a short period.

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The increases have already been reflected in pump prices across filling stations in the FCT. Checks in Abuja showed NNPC Retail stations increased their price from N1,250 to N1,270 per litre, while TotalEnergies and Bovas stations adjusted to about N1,275 per litre. In some areas, petrol prices have reportedly climbed to between N1,310 and N1,350 per litre. In parts of Lagos and Ogun, petrol has been reported at about N1,310 per litre, while prices in some northern states and areas farther from the refinery have climbed to N1,350 and above. IPMAN had previously explained that marketers could not continue selling petrol below their replacement cost, particularly amid frequent changes in the cost of replenishing their stocks. “Every time Dangote increases his price, our price will also rise,” Ukadike said. He noted that the volatility was making it difficult for both marketers and consumers to plan, as the cost of replacing products could change substantially within a short period.

The frequent price movements have raised concerns among motorists, who have urged the Federal Government to take steps to stabilise petrol prices. The impact extends beyond motorists, as higher petrol prices could increase transportation and operating costs for households and businesses, potentially putting additional pressure on the prices of goods and services. IPMAN’s latest position indicates that further price adjustments could occur once marketers begin taking delivery of new products, with the final pump prices expected to vary depending on supply costs, transportation and other distribution expenses.

Beyond the planned price review, IPMAN has also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the operations of Dangote Refinery to help reduce retail fuel prices. The National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, urged the government to broker a deal with Dangote Refinery as part of its intervention to reduce fuel pump prices nationwide. He stressed that government intervention in the downstream petroleum sector should not be seen as a return to fuel subsidy. “We are appealing to the Federal Government to broker a deal with Dangote Refinery to reduce fuel prices. The government should intervene with Nigerian refiners, and this will lead to a reduction in fuel prices. It is different from fuel subsidy. In a situation where there is difficulty, the government should step in,” Maigandi said.

The development has also attracted criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , which condemned the latest price hike, describing it as “avoidable and unacceptable.” The acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, questioned why the Federal Government has not done more to ensure that the Dangote Refinery receives adequate supplies of Nigerian crude. “The latest increase is avoidable and unacceptable in light of falling prices in the international market and our local capacity to sell more crude oil to Dangote. Why are we not doing so?” he said. The debate comes as figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that oil producers offered 68.1 million barrels of crude to Dangote Refinery in the second quarter of 2026, against the refinery’s requirement of 63 million barrels, but the refinery accepted only 52.6 million barrels, highlighting the complexity of the domestic crude supply debate.

The price changes have continued to generate debate because they occurred alongside a decline in international crude oil prices in the period under review. The development underscores the sensitivity of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market to changes in product acquisition and replacement costs, even as consumers continue to monitor pump prices across the country. Ukadike expressed optimism that the Dangote Refinery’s free transportation initiative for petroleum marketers could reduce distribution costs and eventually ease pump prices if sustained. He also welcomed the inclusion of Imo and Anambra states in the initiative, describing the two states as important gateway markets in the South-East.

IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost

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