A fresh controversy has emerged around President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, following allegations involving a N54 billion oil revenue arrangement, coming shortly after his name was linked to the N1.3 billion budget controversy surrounding the alleged fake government agency scandal.
The latest allegation centres on claims that funds linked to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, were approved through a disputed process for special projects in the oil sector.
Reports alleged that about N54 billion from the commission’s revenue was connected to the arrangement, with Nigerians questioning the legal basis for the approval and demanding a full investigation into how the funds were allocated.
The development comes after the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, which was accused of operating as a fake government agency despite appearing in budget records with a N1.3 billion allocation. The matter triggered questions over how such an organisation could receive government recognition and funding.
Gbajabiamila has denied any wrongdoing, while the Presidency has defended him, saying he acted based on official approval and within his responsibilities.
The new allegations have increased calls from opposition figures and Nigerians for greater transparency and an independent review of the claims.
The controversy has placed fresh attention on accountability in government spending, with Nigerians waiting for further clarification from relevant authorities.
