TheCable

The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a public procurement advocacy group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate cabinet members seeking approvals and payments for contracts without submitting due process certificates.

In a statement on Tuesday, Akingunola Omoniyi, the head of the group, alleged that some appointees are using claims of delays under the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, as a “pretext to circumvent due process procedures, potentially for personal gain”.

NEFGAD also expressed concern that the alleged practices could “scandalise” the administration and “pitch Nigerians and the international community against the government”.

“In the name of trying to fast track implementation of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, these appointees are using blackmailing and pitching authorities and entities against the procurement law and regulation with claims of (Public Procurement Act) delaying their procurement processes,” the statement reads.

“This is the exact fashion and style they adopted in running previous administrations, including your predecessor either directly or through their cronies and allies within the system.

“The motive behind this call for an investigation is purely out of incurable patriotism and a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the Nigerian people and more importantly, for the success of your administration.

“Any claim by any official as reasons for bypassing due process in the award/payment for contracts cannot be far from promotion of personal aggrandisement and or advancement of inordinate motivations which are clearly in contrast with the spirit and letter of the country’s extant procurement/fiscal responsibility laws and regulations.”

Citing a World Bank report, the group said procurement constitutes over 90 percent of entire government spending, adding that “70 kobo out of every 100 kobo spent on public procurement in Nigeria end up in private pockets”.

“This means “N23 trillion of the entire 2024 budget of N24.82 trillion will pass through the procurement process out of which over N16 trillion may end up in private pockets if necessary caution and restraint is not applied,” the group said.

“It is in the bid to address and proffer an enduring solution to the above that the country (Nigeria) out of genuine introspection and advice from friends and well-wishers from across the world came to terms with reforming the contracting system between the year 2003 to 2007.

“Sir, the allegation of seeking approval/payment for contracts without due process certificates levied against your cabinet members (if true) is enough to scandalize your administration, pitch Nigerian people, and the international community against your government and its activities if not immediately checked.”

NEFGAD also expressed concerns about “practices that possess a grave proclivity to revert the country to the pre-procurement reform era”.

The group called for an investigation into such allegations or any practices that tend to bring the current administration to a state of disrepute.