Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a United Kingdom court that her role in approving oil contracts was largely procedural, insisting that major decisions had already been concluded before documents reached her desk.
Testifying at Southwark Crown Court in London, Diezani explained that the structure of Nigeria’s oil sector limited her direct control, as key operations were primarily handled by the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
“The system was already in motion before files came to me,” she told the court, noting that the size and complexity of the industry made it difficult for a minister to personally oversee all processes.
She stated that she rarely declined contract approvals, as they had already undergone extensive technical and regulatory scrutiny. “I was, in many instances, a rubber stamp in the process,” she said.
Diezani also recounted a 2014 incident involving a controversial crude oil deal allegedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi. According to her, the deal was flagged through a whistleblower report, prompting her to cancel the arrangement.
However, she claimed her decision was met with resistance from powerful individuals, who escalated complaints to then President Goodluck Jonathan.
On allegations that $20 billion in oil revenue went missing, Diezani disagreed with former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, maintaining that the claims were inaccurate. She said subsequent audits and legislative reviews indicated the funds were accounted for in subsidy payments and operational expenses.
She acknowledged challenges within the fuel subsidy regime, including cases of multiple claims by marketers, but noted that reforms were introduced during her tenure to curb fraud.
The former minister further told the court that her efforts to confront entrenched interests came with personal risks, including alleged security threats and the kidnapping of family members.
She also revealed that politicians and business figures frequently pressured her office for preferential oil allocations. “I declined requests that did not follow due process,” she said.
Addressing concerns about her personal finances, Diezani stated that she adhered to regulations prohibiting public officials from holding foreign accounts, adding that she relied on Nigerian-issued bank cards even during international trips.
The court also reviewed records of her official travels between 2011 and 2015. She said she typically travelled with about 30 officials, including aides, security personnel, and protocol staff, with all movements properly documented in ministry records.
Despite the allegations against her, Diezani maintained that her tenure focused on increasing local participation in the oil sector and improving transparency, insisting she has been unfairly portrayed.
She is currently standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on five counts related to bribery. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and proceedings are ongoing in London.
