Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a United Kingdom court that she had minimal influence over the approval of oil contracts during her tenure, describing her role as largely ceremonial.
Alison-Madueke, who is standing trial at the Southwark Crown Court, said most contract decisions in Nigeria’s oil sector were concluded before reaching her desk, with key operational authority residing in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Testifying during proceedings, the former minister explained that the petroleum industry’s structure involved multiple layers of review across agencies, leaving the ministry with primarily oversight functions.
According to her, “the sheer size and complexity” of the sector made direct ministerial control impractical, adding that she seldom rejected approvals already processed within the system.
Alison-Madueke also told the court that she once uncovered an alleged crude oil lifting deal involving several companies, reportedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi.
She said she attempted to cancel the arrangement after receiving a whistleblower report but encountered stiff resistance, including complaints escalated to then President Goodluck Jonathan.
Addressing the controversial $20bn oil revenue allegation raised by former Central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi, Alison-Madueke maintained that no funds were missing.
She said the figures in question were tied to fuel subsidy payments and operational costs, a position she said was later supported by audits and legislative reviews.
The ex-minister further alleged that her tenure was marred by intense pressure from political and business figures seeking preferential access to oil allocations, which she claimed to have resisted.
She also told the court that her efforts to reform the fuel subsidy regime exposed widespread abuse by marketers, including multiple claims.
According to her, she reported the irregularities and implemented measures that significantly reduced fraudulent subsidy payments.
Alison-Madueke added that her actions attracted security threats, including the abduction of family members, although she did not provide further details.
On her personal finances, the former minister said she relied on Nigerian-issued bank cards for transactions, including during official foreign trips, noting that public officials were not permitted to operate foreign accounts.
She recounted instances where her cards failed abroad, requiring assistance from associates.
The court was also presented with records of her official travels between 2011 and 2015, which she said were fully documented, including ministry logs and correspondence.
She disclosed that she typically travelled with a delegation of about 30 aides, comprising technical staff and protocol officers.
Alison-Madueke also defended the use of chartered flights, stating that both private and commercial options were deployed strictly for official duties.
She maintained that her administration prioritised increased local participation in the oil sector and improved transparency.
The former minister is facing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, on a five-count charge bordering on bribery. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
