The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has strongly refuted allegations of spending N7.7 billion on consultancy services, as reported by Sahara Reporters.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Board described the report as “false, malicious, and misleading,” emphasising its commitment to accountability, transparency, and due process.
The online publication, titled “Exclusive: Nigerian Content Board NCDMB Boss Ogbe Spends N7 Billion on Consultancy, Over 580 Million on 5-Day London Training, Logistics, Allowances,” alleged financial misappropriation by the Board and its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
However, the NCDMB has dismissed these claims, asserting that they contain “gross inaccuracies and baseless inferences.”
“We wish to state that neither the Board nor the Executive Secretary spent the amount stated in the headline of the referenced statement,” the NCDMB stated.
The Board clarified that its financial activities align with government regulations and undergo rigorous scrutiny under the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010.
“In carrying out this strategic workshop and every other activity of NCDMB, due process was followed in ensuring that all financial expenditures were made in accordance with approved financial and procurement guidelines,” the statement read.
NCDMB also highlighted its adherence to transparency, noting that it has consistently ranked first in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Report on Ease of Doing Business and Accountability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.
The Board criticised Sahara Reporters for failing to engage in responsible journalism, accusing the platform of publishing unverified claims meant to mislead the public.
“It is regrettable that Sahara Reporters, known for its sensationalism and lack of investigative rigour, has once again published unverified claims designed to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of our Executive Secretary and esteemed organisation,” the statement continued.
While noting that the NCDMB operates with “the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and due process,” the Board urged the public and media outlets to verify information before publication.
It went on to reaffirm its commitment to its mandate of developing local capacity in the oil and gas sector.
“The Executive Secretary remains steadfast in advancing the goals of the organisation and delivering on its mandate for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
