NLNG Dividends: Makinde Stands By Claim, Says FG Owes States ₦9trn

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’, has stood by his claim that the Federal Government withheld Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas dividends due to states and local governments.

Makinde, through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement on Saturday, said the Presidency’s response to his earlier statement sidestepped the central issue.

The governor said the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, with the support of the Federal Government, engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments, and the exercise identified a shortfall of about ₦9 trillion due to states and local governments.

He added that the Federal Government accepted the findings, noting that the report remains in the custody of both the Federal Government and the NGF.

“We trust the Presidency will not deny its existence. Governor Makinde is the NGF’s incumbent Vice-Chairman,” the statement said.

The Presidency had stated that NLNG had paid $21.5 billion in dividends into the Federation Account since inception, including $3 billion received under the current administration, but Makinde’s camp said it did not explain how the funds were disbursed.

“Have states and local governments received their shares? How much did they receive, and how were those amounts calculated? What happened to the $3 billion received under this administration?” the statement queried.

The governor said he conducts public discourse with decorum and does not make unfounded claims or quote figures without a basis.

“We remain ready to provide further clarification while we urge the presidency to address the substance of the matter,” the statement added.