Reps Launch Investigation on Petroleum Minister for Allegedly Spending N10bn on Private Jet

The House of Representatives Thursday in an overwhelming voice vote, approved a motion by Hon. Samuel Adejare (APC, Lagos State) requesting an investigation into the squandering of N10 billion of public funds on the charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Dizeani Allison-Madueke.

Adejare said the allegation was based on “reliable evidence” noting that the Petroleum Minister had spent about 500,000 Euros (N130 million naira) monthly to maintaining the aircraft, solely for her personal needs and those of her immediate family.

The lawmaker further disclosed that preliminary investigations prove that the financing for the Challenger 850 aircraft was drawn from government funds. According to him, the expenditure would be only “a tip of the iceberg” as several other billions of naira may have been frittered on flying the jet all over the world “obviously for the leisure” of the minister and her immediate family.

“This colossal waste is currently estimated at N10 billion which include the payment of allowances to the crew for the trips, hanger parking and rent based on the lease agreement,” the lawmaker said.

“If government could be bankrolling this waste in the face of ever dwindling public resources, it amounts to a misplacement of priority, impudence and breach of public trust, an action that offends the Fiscal Responsibility Act and all other Laws on fiscal discipline in Nigeria.”

The house has directed its Committee on Public Accounts investigate the allegation and report back within two weeks.