NLNG: Makinde threatens to release facts on withheld fund, dares FG to clarify on whereabouts of N9 trillion

The Oyo State governor, Engr Oluseyi Makinde has insisted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government has witheld the sum of N250 billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG dividends to each 36 States of the Federation and 774 Local Government Councils.

In a statement on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the presidency’s earlier response sidestepped the main concerns raised.

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Makinde said the FG and Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, which he is the Vice Chairman engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments.

The governor in the statement said he has read the response of the Federal Government on the withholding of NLNG dividends due to States and LGs.

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He urged the FG to explain the shortfall of N9 trillion which it accepted the report by the consultant.

“The exercise identified a shortfall of about ₦9 trillion due to states and local governments. The Federal Government accepted the findings.

”The exercise identified a shortfall of about ₦9 trillion due to states and local governments. The Federal Government accepted the findings” he said.

The governor insisted that the FG knew about the concern he raised, given that the report remains in custody of the FG and NGF, trusting the presidency will not deny its existence.

“The Presidency stated that NLNG had paid $21.5 billion in dividends into the Federation Account since inception, including $3 billion received under the current administration.

“But it did not explain how these funds were disbursed.

“Have states and local governments received their shares? How much did they receive, and how were those amounts calculated? What happened to the $3 billion received under this administration?”, he queried

Olanrewaju stated that Governor Makinde conducts public discourse with decorum and “Does not make unfounded claims or quote figures without a basis.

“We remain ready to provide further clarification while we urge the presidency to address the substance of the matter”.

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