FG to conduct forensic audit of NNPCL amid management Shake-Up
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Wale Edun has announced an upcoming forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), revealing that recent management changes are part of a broader government effort to scrutinize and reform the national oil company.
The Nigerian Federal Government will soon commence a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The Minister made this announcement while addressing global investors at the Nigerian Investor Forum, held in conjunction with the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
Edunexplained to the assembled top investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, that the recent changes within the management structure of the NNPCL are integral to a comprehensive effort by the Federal Government to thoroughly examine and sanitize the operations of the national oil company.
During his address, Minister Edun also highlighted key economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at revitalizing the Nigerian economy and restoring the confidence of international investors.
He assured the investors that the government’s decisive economic measures had established a robust foundation conducive to attracting private investment.
“Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this,” Edun stated confidently.
He underscored the significant impact of the major reforms already implemented by President Tinubu’s administration, noting that the Nigerian economy had demonstrated positive growth, expanding by 3.84% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and achieving an overall growth rate of 3.4% for the entire year.
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Edun emphasized the critical importance of these reforms, describing them as “unprecedented.”He affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment, stating, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
The Ministerpointed to tangible signs of progress, including a reduction in budget deficits, an improved trade balance, and a greater degree of stability in the exchange rate.
He also outlined the government’s strategic focus on fostering growth in key sectors, with particular emphasis on agriculture.
According to Edun, the agricultural sector is at the forefront of the government’s agenda, with the primary objectives of enhancing food supply and significantly increasing productivity.“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,”he asserted.
Turning to infrastructure development, Edun revealed that the governmenthas embarked on an ambitious project to roll out 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable, aimed at significantly improving internet access across the country.
He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for empowering young Nigerians and supporting the burgeoning tech startup ecosystem.
Furthermore, he noted that 4,000 kilometers of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000 kilometers already approved and slated for construction.