The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has denied funding the All Progressives Congress campaign for the September 19 election.
In a statement by the head of corporate communications of the bank, Ms Lohya Mamven, said the bank does not fund political activities under any guise.
The NEXIM bank spokesperson was reacting to an allegation that it provided the ruling APC with the the sum of $500 million to prosecute the Edo governorship election.
“The statement, which was credited to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare further alleged that the APC National Campaign Council and a Director in NEXIM Bank have perfected plans to convert the money into a loan, thereby imposing a long term debt burden on the people of Edo State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Export-Import Bank is an agency of government, with the mandate to promote the diversification of the Nigerian external sector by providing funding and risk bearing services to the non-oil export sector.
“In this regard, the bank grants loans to support export-oriented projects only and does not fund political activities under any guise.
“It is also pertinent to state that given the current economic downturn occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank is currently focusing on efforts to further boost intervention in the non-oil export sector.
“So as to mitigate the impact of this global scourge towards bringing the country on a quick recovery path.
“The bank, therefore, considers it a disservice, not only to NEXIM, but to the entire country for any individual or group to engage in activities capable of distracting the institution and its management, particularly during this critical period of serious economic challenges,’’ NEXIM bank said.