Fuel subsidy: FG directs EFCC to probe fuel subsidy disbursement
10(NAN) The Federal Government has formally written to the EFCC to begin immediate probe of all payments made in respect of fuel subsidy and to check amount paid against actual importation of petroleum products.
The letter made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja was dated Jan. 12 and addressed to the EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, who signed the letter said that the anti-graft agency should ensure bringing to book, those who profiteered on the subsidy account.
“I have sought and obtained the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan to formally invite the EFCC to take all necessary steps to prosecute any person(s) involved in any incidence of malfeasance, fraud, over payments and related illegalities,’’ the letter read in part.
The minister in the letter recalled that government had over the years ran a subsidy regime in petroleum imports where the difference between the cost of importation and the pump price was paid for by government to pre-approved oil marketing companies and importers.
She noted that the bill had grown over the years to an unsustainable level.
She assured the commission of the full support of the petroleum ministry in the investigation.
Following the removal of subsidy on fuel on Jan. 1 and the ensuing protests, Nigerians demanded for the probe of the disbursement of the petrol subsidy fund. (NAN)
