Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, opens up on N10billion jet scandal

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, yesterday, dismissed allegations that she spent N10 billion in leasing jets for her use. Alison-Madueke spoke in an interaction with some senior journalists in Abuja. According to her, leasing of jets to run the oil industry is a common practice around the globe since it is more cost-effective than buying. She added that it would have been unwise for anyone to spend N10 billion in leasing jets, an amount which can conveniently buy three new jets depending on the type.

She also disclosed that though the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) had a jet that was meant for her use, she was advised by aviation experts to sell it off since it was bought and parked abroad for some years, thereby raising safety concerns.In her words: “When I started work as minister, there was an oil aircraft but I was advised not to use it because of safety issues and we had to lease some planes for use. I was advised that it was more cost effective to lease planes for our operations. Based on what we were advised, and having added the figures, we felt satisfied it was better to be leasing plane for use. For the N10 billion, one can buy three planes. I don’t know how they came about that huge figure ascribed to me. It is unfortunate for some people to just sit down and accuse people without any fact or figure.”

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About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.