Former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke says she had little control over oil contract approvals during her time in office,
Speaking in a UK court amid her trial, she claims that most decisions were made before reaching her desk.
Diezani said while giving evidence in court that multiple agencies handled contract processes in the oil sector before they reached her as minister.
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Additionally, she said the operational authority of the sector rested largely with the MD of NNPC, while the ministry played an oversight role.
She added that direct ministerial control was not feasible due to the magnitude and complexity of the petroleum business, characterising.
Alison-Madueke further described herself primarily as a “rubber stamp” in the process.
According to the former minister, she seldom denied contract clearances and didn’t tamper with decisions that had already been made by the system.
Additionally, Alison-Madueke informed the court that she discovered a purported crude oil lifting deal involving several companies in 2014.
A deal which she claimed was connected to businessman Igho Sanomi.
Diezani argued that she was wrongly portrayed in the media as being involved in financial misconduct.
She specifically alleged that political and business figures pressured her office for favours in oil allocations, which she said she declined.
On the use of chartered flights, she claims that both private and commercial flights were used for official duties.
Alison-Madueke stated that she concentrated on increasing local involvement in the oil industry and enhancing transparency during her tenure.
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