Auditor-General Queries N98.4m For Printing Of PIB Flyers

The Auditor General of the Federation has queried the printing of leaflets for awareness campaign programme of the Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB) at N98.4 million without due process by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The query is contained in the 2015 Auditor General’s report being considered by the Senate Committee on Public Account.

Also, the Committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South) discovered how N39 million was paid into the accounts of two staff in the Ministry for project monitoring within Abuja.

The query reads: “Contrary to the procurement process, an entry in the cash book for the sum of N98.4 million was made in favour of a company for printing of leaflets for awareness campaign programme for the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“There was no formal award of contract and it was also observed that the approval for the payment was via a memo presented by the Director (Press) to the Ministerial Tenders’ Board meeting of 9th and 11th October, 2013.

“The Permanent Secretary had been requested to take procedural disciplinary measures against the erring officers in line with provision with extant regulation.”

The Ministry, in its written response to the Auditor-General of the Federation’s query, said: “Adequate publicity was made: M/S Dangrace and Partners Ltd were selected based on proven capabilities and competence.

“It should be stated that veritable costing proposals were submitted and approved before the authorization for the award and production of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) leaflets.

“The Department complied with necessary rule and procedure.”

The report also queried the Ministry for paying its staff N39.7 million for project monitoring.

The query reads: “Contrary to the e-payment policy of the Federal Government the total sum of N39.7 million was paid to 178 staff of the ministry for project monitoring and evaluation in 2014.

“Instead of direct payment to individual accounts the disbursement was paid into 2 (two) accounts vide PV. Nos. MPR/CAP/828/2014 and MPR/CAP/826/2014 of 02/12/14.

“It was curious that 178 officers in the division of the Ministry could be involved in project monitoring and evaluation at the same time.

“Other irregularities observed are duplication of officers names, duplication of locations, monitoring of projects outside the statutory purview of the Ministry and its parastatals, payment of DTA (Duty Tour Allowance) and other traveling allowances to staff for monitoring parastatals located in Abuja.

“There was no evidence presented for audit review by the M&E division for the project monitoring exercise carried out by the 178 officers despite the payment of N1.4 million to coordinating secretariat for such purpose.

“To all intent and purposes, this expenditure cannot be accepted as a legitimate charge against public funds.”

The Ministry, in its reply, said: “The two staff were appointed as the project accountants for the project.

“Peoples were grouped and assigned to varrious projects for prudence and accountability.

“Reports were submitted to the appropriate Department. Due process and procedure was followed in the best interest of the service.

“Duplication of officers’ names and locations were due to officers visiting different places after grouping.

“No officer was paid DTA for monitoring parastatals within Abuja. They were paid to monitor those outside Abuja.”

Not satisfied with presentation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts directed the officers involved to return the money back to the Federation Account.