THE Federal Government has reacted to calls by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for a probe into the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) over allegations that more than ₦128 billion in public funds were missing or diverted.
SERAP, in a statement issued on Sunday, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the alleged financial discrepancies.
The civil society organisation said its request was based on findings contained in an audit report, which it claimed raised serious concerns about financial accountability within the Ministry of Power and NBET.
However, responding to the call, the Office of the Honourable Minister of Power clarified that the audit report cited by SERAP relates strictly to the 2022 financial year, a period that predates the current administration and the appointment of the incumbent Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji, the Ministry stressed that the allegations had no connection with the operations of the Ministry under the present administration.
“Our attention has been drawn to the call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over ₦128 billion of public funds are missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc,” the statement said.
The Ministry noted that while Minister Adelabu has no objection to any legitimate investigation, it is important to clarify the timeline involved.
“The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, was appointed in August 2023, whereas the audit report in question relates to the 2022 financial year,” the statement explained.
“Consequently, the issues raised in the referenced audit report pertain entirely to a period before the Minister’s tenure. The call for investigation therefore has no bearing on the operations or financial activities of the Ministry under the current administration.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, probity, and accountability, stating that it would fully cooperate with any legitimate process aimed at addressing legacy issues in the power sector.
“The Office of the Honourable Minister reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability and will cooperate fully with any legitimate process aimed at addressing legacy issues in the power sector, while remaining focused on its mandate of delivering stable and reliable electricity to all Nigerians,” the statement added.
The Ministry further emphasized that Chief Adebayo Adelabu is widely known for his strict adherence to due process, citing his track record in both the public and private sectors.
It added that the Minister remains determined to protect this reputation while driving reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.