N13 billion contract awarded in compliance with procurement Act, Finance minister denies wrongdoing

Mr Wale Edun, who serves as Minister for Finance and Coordinating economy in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has said, contracts under his leadership are awarded with due process and in compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

The Minister reacted to allegations in an online news platform that he allegedly awarded contract to the tune of N13 billion without due process.

The report accused the Minister and the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, to have awarded contracts worth ₦13 billion between February and June 2024 without following due process.

Reacting through a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga on Monday in Abuja, he denied awarding N13 billion contract or any contract whatsoever without due process.

Edun described the claims as malicious and unfounded targeted at tarnishing his hard earned reputation.

“They are intended to distract from the ongoing initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry to revamp the nation’s economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“The Ministry further affirms that all contracts awarded from February to June 2024—including those related to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG)—and subsequent contracts, were executed in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act and other relevant laws and regulations.

“Any insinuation of corruption or irregularities, as claimed in the publication, is baseless and without merit.

“The Ministry remains committed to transparency and accountability in its operations, as reflected in its effective management of the national economy. It also acknowledges the crucial role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“Therefore, the Ministry urges journalists to always verify information before publication, as it will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or organization that attempts to damage its reputation through false and malicious reporting.

“We urge the public to disregard the publication in question and rest assured that the Ministry is working diligently to implement the President’s economic reforms and improve the lives of Nigerians.”