Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a United Kingdom (UK) court that her role in approving oil contracts during her tenure was largely procedural, as major decisions had already been concluded before reaching her office.
Testifying at the Southwark Crown Court in London , the former minister said the operational structure of Nigeria’s oil industry limited her direct influence, with key decisions driven by officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Diezani explained that by the time contract files were forwarded to her, they had already undergone extensive technical and regulatory scrutiny.
She said, “The system was already in motion before files came to me,” noting that the sheer size and complexity of Nigeria’s oil sector made it difficult for any minister to exercise full oversight.
According to her, she rarely rejected approvals because due processes had typically been completed beforehand.
“I was, in many instances, a rubber stamp in the process,” she added.
2014 Crude Deal Controversy
CityNews reports that the former minister also recounted how she uncovered a controversial crude oil transaction in 2014, allegedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi.
She told the court that the deal came to her attention through a whistleblower report, prompting her to immediately cancel the arrangement.
However, she said her decision was resisted by powerful interests, who escalated the matter to then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
On the long-standing allegation that $20bn in oil revenue went missing, Diezani disagreed with claims made by former Central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi.
She insisted, “There were no missing funds as widely reported,” explaining that subsequent audits and legislative investigations showed the funds were accounted for under subsidy payments and operational expenses.
While defending her record, Diezani acknowledged that Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime was riddled with challenges, including multiple and sometimes fraudulent claims by marketers.
She, however, said reforms were introduced under her watch to curb abuses and improve accountability in the system.
The ex-minister told the court that her attempts to reform the sector and resist undue influence exposed her to significant risks.
She claimed she received security threats and even experienced the kidnapping of family members, which she linked to her stance against entrenched interests.
She further alleged that politicians and business figures frequently mounted pressure on her office for preferential oil allocations.
“I declined requests that did not follow due process,” she said.
Addressing concerns over her personal finances, Diezani said she adhered to regulations by using Nigerian bank cards, even while on official trips abroad.
According to her, the cards occasionally failed during foreign transactions, necessitating temporary assistance from associates.
The court also reviewed records of her official travels between 2011 and 2015, during which she said she typically travelled with about 30 officials, including aides, security personnel and protocol officers.
“All movements were documented and archived in ministry records,” she said, adding that both commercial and chartered flights were used depending on official needs.
‘I’ve Been Unfairly Portrayed’
Despite the allegations against her, Diezani maintained that her tenure was focused on increasing local participation in the oil sector and enhancing transparency.
She argued that her role has been misrepresented in public discourse.
The former minister is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on five counts bordering on bribery.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty, while proceedings continue at the London court.
