UPDATED: Nigeria’s president chief of staff forged a law to divert ₦54bn

Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, has reportedly been accused of using a disputed legal document to secure a ₦54 billion payment from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), allegedly presenting it as a directive from the President.

Reports claim the payment involved a request for 4% of NUPRC’s revenue, divided into two parts: 2.5% and 1.5%. The smaller portion was reportedly described as funding for improving crude oil and gas metering and transparency systems. Critics allege that the stated purpose did not exist within the relevant framework and was used as a justification for the payment.

The alleged incident reportedly took place in July 2023, shortly after President Tinubu assumed office and weeks after Gbajabiamila was appointed Chief of Staff in June 2023.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has defended the payment, insisting that the funds were not released illegally and were based on a lawful presidential order. Critics, however, argue that the President does not have the authority to approve such a payment.

There are also allegations that similar approaches were made to other government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and Nigerian Customs.

The claims have sparked debate over government spending, the limits of presidential powers, and accountability among senior officials.