ABUJA/Nigeria: The former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, has asserted that his sudden dismissal by the federal government last year stemmed from his refusal to inflate the agency’s 2023 budget by N30 billion.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Wabote disclosed that he declined a request from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, conveyed through a proxy, to boost the NCDMB budget. Wabote characterized the minister’s recent remarks at the Petroleum Club as “reckless” and “bundles of lies unbecoming of a Minister of State of the Federal Republic.”
Wabote accused Lokpobiri of attempting character assassination, asserting that his troubles began in December 2023 when he rejected the budget increase request. He emphasized that such a demand had never been made by previous ministers overseeing the NCDMB.
The former NCDMB boss highlighted that he provided comprehensive briefings to Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum – Gas, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, regarding the board’s activities, including financial details and strategic initiatives.
Wabote challenged Lokpobiri’s assertions regarding the performance of the NCDMB intervention fund managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI), emphasizing that the fund remained intact and had contributed significantly to mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the industry.
Regarding allegations concerning the Brass Fertiliser project, Wabote clarified that the partnership with NNPC and DSV Engineering aimed to establish a Methanol plant, not a fertilizer factory as claimed by Lokpobiri.
In response to Lokpobiri’s criticisms, Wabote urged the minister to visit project sites and review strategic plans to understand the developmental initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
Wabote also criticized Lokpobiri’s diplomatic language, particularly concerning China, cautioning against damaging Nigeria’s international image.
Concluding his statement, Wabote urged Lokpobiri to focus on his official duties and refrain from politicizing issues, suggesting that the minister was using him as a scapegoat in a proxy battle with his former superior.
The accusations made by Wabote shed light on the complexities within government agencies and underline the importance of transparency and accountability in budgetary matters.
