“From Compliance to Controversy: Diezani’s Admission in UK Court”

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke informed a UK court that her involvement in sanctioning oil contracts was chiefly standard, asserting that significant decisions had already been finalized before documents arrived at her desk.

Addressing the Southwark Crown Court in London, she elaborated that the configuration of Nigeria’s oil sector meant she had minimal direct authority, as essential operations were overseen by the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“The process was already set in motion prior to files being submitted to me,” she remarked, noting that the vastness and intricacy of the industry made it challenging for a minister to monitor everything personally.

She mentioned that she seldom objected to contract approvals since they had already undergone thorough technical and regulatory evaluations.
“I was, in numerous cases, merely a formality in the process,” she stated.

Diezani also recounted an incident from 2014 when she uncovered a dubious crude oil agreement purportedly connected to businessman Igho Sanomi. She indicated that the issue was revealed following a whistleblower’s report, leading her to annul the contract.

Nevertheless, she informed the court that influential figures resisted her decision and escalated grievances to then President Goodluck Jonathan.

Refuting claims that $20 billion in oil funds vanished, she disagreed with former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, asserting that the reports were erroneous.

“There were no missing assets as widely claimed,” she said, clarifying that audits and legislative investigations later demonstrated the funds were associated with subsidy payments and operational expenses.

She acknowledged significant difficulties within the fuel subsidy system, including multiple claims from certain marketers, yet stated that reforms were implemented to mitigate fraud.

According to her, these initiatives came with hazards. She noted that she encountered security threats, including the abduction of family members, which she attributed to her efforts to confront powerful interests within the sector.

She also mentioned that politicians and business leaders frequently pressured her office for preferential treatment in oil distributions.
“I denied requests that did not adhere to proper procedures,” she asserted.

Responding to inquiries concerning her personal finances, Diezani indicated that she used Nigerian bank cards even during overseas trips, in accordance with regulations barring public officials from maintaining foreign accounts.

She added that the cards sometimes malfunctioned abroad, necessitating temporary coverage of expenses by others.

The court also scrutinized records of her official travels from 2011 to 2015.
She claimed she typically traveled with around 30 officials, including aides, security personnel, and protocol staff.
“All movements were recorded and preserved in ministry files,” she mentioned, noting that both commercial and chartered flights were utilized based on official needs.

Despite the allegations against her, Diezani maintained that her tenure was centered on enhancing local engagement in the oil sector and fostering transparency, asserting that she has been inaccurately represented.

She is currently on trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on five counts related to bribery.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the case remains active in London.