NACAT demands probe of energy commission over ‘contract irregularities’

The Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT) has asked President Bola Tinubu to authorise an investigation into the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) over alleged contract irregularities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Fejiro Oliver, NCAT chairman, said the commission awarded multiple contracts in secret, in violation of the Public Procurement Act, which mandates open, competitive bidding and transparency.

“For too long, corruption has been the cancer eating deep into our national fabric, weakening public institutions, draining national resources, sabotaging development, and eroding the confidence of citizens in governance,” Oliver said.

“Today, we raise the alarm over grave and well-documented findings pointing to systemic abuse of public office within the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

“This press conference is not driven by sentiment, vendetta, or politics. It is driven by facts and documents and by an unwavering commitment to accountability.

“Our organisation, the Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking (NACAT), has uncovered overwhelming evidence revealing a disturbing pattern of suspected corruption, contract splitting, embezzlement of public funds, and gross abuse of office involving the illegal and fraudulent award and payment of contracts to five companies owned and controlled by the same individuals, without adherence to due process and in blatant violation of extant laws.”

He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to conduct independent reviews of the commission’s contract process.

Oliver asked Tinubu to ensure that any investigation into the matter is transparent and upholds the integrity of public institutions.

Kelechi Mela, acting director of media and public affairs at the energy commission, did not respond to calls for comments on the allegations, while text messages sent to her phone went unanswered.