Makinde Stands Firm on NLNG Dividends Claim Against Presidency

Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his claim that the Federal Government is withholding dividends from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) that are due to states and local governments. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde responded to the Presidency's assertion that his claim was false.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), with the Federal Government's support, had engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments, which revealed a shortfall of approximately ₦9 trillion owed to states and local governments. Makinde noted that the Federal Government accepted these findings, which are documented in a report held by both the Federal Government and the NGF.

He criticized the Presidency's response for failing to clarify how the NLNG's reported $21.5 billion in dividends, including $3 billion received under the current administration, was distributed among states and local governments. Makinde expressed readiness to provide further clarification and urged the Presidency to address the substantive issues raised.