The Federal Ministry of Finance has strongly denied allegations of corruption tied to a N13 billion contract related to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG). In an official statement released by Mohammed Manga, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the allegations were described as baseless, asserting that all procurement activities followed established legal procedures under the Public Procurement Act.
The statement emphasized the ministry’s commitment to due process, insisting that no contract was awarded illegally or without appropriate scrutiny. Manga also underscored that the allegations lacked substance and were potentially damaging to the ministry’s integrity and the broader public trust in government operations.
Highlighting the leadership of Minister Wale Edun and Permanent Secretary Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the ministry reiterated its dedication to transparency and responsible economic governance. It also warned that legal measures would be considered against individuals or organizations spreading false claims without verification. The ministry called on the media to uphold journalistic responsibility by verifying facts before publication.
Further addressing the motivation behind the accusations, the ministry suggested that the claims were strategically aimed at undermining its ongoing economic reform efforts. Manga stated that all current initiatives, including those related to energy transition and public welfare, align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and focus on strengthening the national economy through accountable governance.
This clarification comes just weeks after the federal government launched a N2.5 billion Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) scheme to support vehicle conversion to Compressed Natural Gas. The program, a joint effort involving the Ministry of Finance, Credicorp, and PCNGi, aims to reduce energy and transportation costs nationwide, showcasing the government’s push toward sustainable and affordable energy alternatives.
Source: Nairametrics