A minister controls public corporation by

Analyze the question: It asks how a minister exercises control over a public corporation (a government-owned body such as NNPC, NEPA/PHCN, or the Nigerian Ports Authority).

Concept: Public corporations are set up by an Act of Parliament or a decree. They have some autonomy, but the supervising minister keeps oversight of them. The minister's usual powers include:

• Appointing the board of directors and the chief executive
• Giving general policy directions to the board
• Approving budgets and major projects
• Receiving annual reports and accounts
• Ensuring the corporation is well run and meets its statutory objectives

Checking each option:

• A. Providing the corporation's finances: Funding mostly comes from government appropriations and the corporation's own revenue. Providing money is not how the minister controls it, and the minister does not personally supply funds.
• B. Auditing the accounts personally: Auditing is done by the Auditor-General or external auditors, not by the minister personally. This is wrong.
• C. Criticizing through the mass media: This is not an official or administrative means of control. It is wrong.
• D. Ensuring the effective administration of the corporation: The minister supervises, gives policy direction, and makes sure the corporation is run efficiently and fulfils its purpose. This is correct.

Answer: D

Tip: In questions on ministerial control of public corporations, think "supervise, appoint, direct policy, and ensure effective administration". Options that involve personal auditing, public criticism, or direct funding are usually distractors.