The Nigerian Content Development and Management Board has refuted claims of spending N9.9bn on consultancy services and foreign training. Allegations suggested that the board authorized the payment to a consulting firm for a contract related to recovering funds deducted from the Nigerian Content Development Fund. Additionally, it was claimed that money was approved for sponsoring a training workshop in the UK for stakeholders in the financial sector.
In response, the NCDMB, led by Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe, dismissed the allegations as baseless and reiterated that neither the board nor the Executive Secretary spent the mentioned amount. The board clarified that a strategic workshop was organized every two years to align with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, involving key government agencies in the oil and gas sector.
The statement emphasized that all expenditures were conducted following approved financial and procurement guidelines. It debunked the N9.9bn expenditure claim and clarified the role of S.B Capital Partners & Advisory Limited in providing credit review services for the NCDMB Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.
The board highlighted its commitment to transparency, having received recognition for three consecutive years for transparency and efficiency. It urged the public and the media to disregard the fabricated allegations aimed at tarnishing the board’s reputation and assured that the sources behind the attacks would be revealed in due course.