Barbara Bako, Abuja
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has deny allegations surfaced regarding outstanding electricity bills owed.
The Bureau made this denial in a statement signed by the head, Public Communications Amina Tukur Oathman on Wednesday.
The allegations which was made in a recent publication by Leadership Newspaper had stated that BPE amongst various government agencies owed electricity bills.
The initial report highlighted that despite substantial budgetary allocations,
numerous government entities, including the BPE and the headquarters of the
Nigeria Immigration Service, had failed to settle their electricity bills.
While refuting the allegations, BPE said this portrayal is inaccurate and lacks thorough investigation.
The statement read; “The BPE wishes to draw the attention of the AEDC and the Leadership Newspaper to the fact that it does not owe any outstanding electricity bills. On the contrary, it is the AEDC that owes the BPE.”
READ ALSO:FG unveils strategy to attract solid mineral investment
The BPE further clarified that it adheres to a practice of paying its electricity bills in advance annually, ensuring timely settlement and a clear record of financial obligations.
Thus, the assertion that the BPE has neglected its electricity payments is misleading and categorically denied.
Expressing concern over the publication, the BPE emphasized the significance of fact-checking and ensuring accuracy in reporting.
The statement further reads; “The BPE should have been contacted for verification. To substantiate our position and clarify the inaccuracies presented, we provide evidence of payment and acknowledgments from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The Bureau said that “This documentation serves to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and accountability in our financial practices.”
“We urge both the AEDC and Leadership Newspaper to rectify the information that has been disseminated. The record must be set straight to ensure fairness and accuracy in reporting,” BPE said.
