Federal ministry of works[/8]

An Abuja based civil society organisation- Collective Action Against Corruption has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt alleged plot by the ministry of works to re-award contracts offered indegenous companies.

It was gathered that the ministry had awarded contracts each for some road construction to some indigenous company after the ministerial tenders’ board had duly certified the contracts and all the necessary processes including payment of remita and certification by the BPP but the ministry is planning to re-award the same contracts to different companies.

The rights group claimed that information at its disposal showed that the ministry had concluded plans to re-award the multibillion-naira contracts in different parts of the country to preferred companies some of which have ties with some vested interests.

“Documents at our disposal showed that after letters of award had been issued with all the processes required by law completed, with a no objection certification from the Bureau of Public Procurement, the ministry is set to re-award the contracts”

The CSO described the move as unfair, unfortunate and runs contrary to the clamour for a level playing field in conduct of government business even as it questions the rationale for the action and wondered why the previous companies were told right from the bidding process if indeed, they lack the requisite skills to deliver the job.

While urging on the ministry to urgently reverse the planned re-award, the CSO harped on the need for transparency in the conduct of government activities.

It appealed to the president to urgently intervene and halt what it described as sheer deliberate attempt to contravene rules and procedure in the conduct of government activities assuring that should the ministry proceed with the change; it would be compelled to seek legal redress.

When contacted the newly posted Permanent Secretary said he was not aware of such development.