Nigerian Sports Ministry Denies Allegation of Unnecessary Spending
Oru Leonard
The Federal Ministry of Sports Development has found itself in the midst of a media storm after a misleading article claimed that Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister, had purchased a brand-new N150 million car amidst Nigeria’s worsening economy.
However, the Ministry has swiftly issued a rejoinder to set the record straight. It turns out that the Ministry was separated from the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development in 2023 and has since faced challenges, including a lack of operational vehicles for key officers.
The Honourable Minister had been relying on an official vehicle that repeatedly malfunctioned, while the Permanent Secretary used her personal vehicle for official work. The Ministry’s staff were also in dire need of a staff bus. To address this, the Ministry’s 2024 approved budget included provisions for purchasing operational vehicles, adhering to all due process and legal requirements.
What’s more, the Honourable Minister wasn’t involved in the bidding or contract award processes, as those tasks fall outside his remit. The Ministry questioned the writer’s intention to stir public controversy by referring to the vehicle purchase as “largesse”.
Additionally, the article falsely implicated the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in the alleged “largesse.” However, the NFF operates independently, with its own budget and procurement processes separate from the Ministry.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, encouraging journalists to uphold responsible journalism principles. They maintain an open-door policy, inviting writers to reach out for comment before publishing sensational pieces.
This clarification comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s development, with President Bola Tinubu’s administration facing economic challenges and criticism over policies like the removal of fuel subsidies. The country is eagerly awaiting solutions to its transportation woes, including the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses.
As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the Ministry of Sports Development says it remains focused on serving the people with professionalism and adherence to legality.
