₦30m Debt: NUPENG Protests Against NigComSat
A protest has erupted outside the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat) headquarters, sparked by allegations of nepotism and high-handedness against the agency’s Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen. At the center of the controversy is a ₦30 million debt owed to Deroche Ventures Ltd, a supplier of diesel to NigComSat.
Dr. Romanus Onuche Ajefu, Managing Director of Deroche Ventures Ltd, claims that NigComSat has refused to pay the debt, which dates back to 2023. Despite the agency’s claims of financial constraints, Dr. Ajefu alleges that NigComSat has been awarding fresh contracts and making payments to other suppliers, suggesting favoritism towards certain individuals.
“The Managing Director has refused to pay the debt of ₦30 million her agency is owing me since 2023,” Dr. Ajefu said. “Contracts for the supply of diesel were awarded to my company, which was duly executed. She claimed the agency has no money to pay me, but the agency has money to award fresh contracts and payments because they are her people.”
Dr. Ajefu has called on the Minister of Communications to investigate the activities of the NigComSat MD, accusing her of mismanagement and favoritism. He has also threatened to take legal action if the payment is not made immediately.
In a show of solidarity, Comrade Alex Eke, Head of Operations, Task Force on Oil and Gas Suppliers, NUPENG Suleja Branch, stated that NUPENG had suggested a structured repayment plan to NigComSat, but the agency had failed to act.
“This truck will remain here for three weeks, one month, however long it takes until Dr. Onuche receives payment,” Comrade Eke said. “The moment we see the money, we will move. Until then, we are not going anywhere.”
The protest has brought attention to the alleged mismanagement and favoritism within NigComSat, and it remains to be seen how the agency will respond to the allegations. ¹