I Was a Rubber Stamp’ — Diezani Tells UK Court

London, United Kingdom – April 16, 2026 (African News Digest) – Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has told the Southwark Crown Court that her role in approving oil contracts was largely procedural, insisting that major decisions were taken before documents reached her desk.

Testifying in London, Diezani explained that the structure of Nigeria’s oil sector limited her direct control, as key operational responsibilities were handled by the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“The system was already in motion before files came to me,” she said, adding that the size and complexity of the industry made it difficult for a minister to oversee every transaction directly.

She told the court that she rarely declined contract approvals because they had already undergone technical and regulatory scrutiny.

“I was, in many instances, a rubber stamp in the process,” she stated.

Diezani also recounted a 2014 incident involving a crude oil deal allegedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi, saying she cancelled the arrangement after it was flagged by a whistleblower. According to her, the decision was resisted by powerful interests who escalated complaints to then President Goodluck Jonathan.

On allegations that $20 billion in oil revenue went missing, she disagreed with former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, maintaining that the reports were inaccurate.

“There were no missing funds as widely reported,” she said, explaining that subsequent audits and legislative reviews indicated the funds were tied to subsidy payments and operational costs.

She acknowledged challenges within the fuel subsidy regime, including multiple claims by some marketers, but said reforms were introduced to curb abuse. She further alleged that she faced security threats, including the kidnapping of family members, which she linked to efforts to confront entrenched interests in the sector.

Addressing questions about her finances, Diezani said she complied with regulations barring public officials from holding foreign bank accounts and relied on Nigerian bank cards during official foreign trips, though they sometimes failed abroad.

She also detailed her official travel between 2011 and 2015, stating that she typically travelled with about 30 officials, including aides, security personnel, and protocol staff, with all movements documented in ministry records.

Diezani is 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.

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