News
Senate Queries JAMB Over N7.3bn Contract Scam
The Senate has queried the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) over N7.3billion contracts scandal.
The discovery is contained in the report of Auditor General of Federation (AGF), Anthony Ayine, which was submitted to Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo South-led Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
In the report, the Auditor General accused the JAMB registrar of approving contracts of about N7.1billion without due process, and also deliberately splitting of contracts of about N247million, which is in breach of the extant circular of March, 2009.
Most of the contracts were awarded between 2012 and 2013.
The Auditor-General, in the report said, “Audit examination of procurement documents and other records of JAMB revealed that 21 payment vouchers for amount totalling N7.1billion were in respect of contracts approved by JAMB registrar outside his authorized approval threshold of N2.5million for supplies and N5million for works.
“This is contrary to Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) approved revised threshold for service wide application as conveyed in circular No. SGF/OP/1/S.3/VIII/57 of March 11, 2009.
“The registrar/chief executive was requested to explain why he acted outside his authorized approval threshold and also to furnish evidence of ratification by the JAMB Tender Board, Ministerial Tenders Board or Federal Executive Council.
“In response with reference number JAMB/FIN/ 127Vol.2/171 dated May, 2016, the registrar stated that the awards were based on agreement entered into for a pre-determined period proceeding the time of the audit and certain job cannot be subjected to general contracting.
“This response did not address the query. It was observed that several contracts were split in 2012 and 2013 accounting year in order to circumvent approval limits of the various authorities.
“These contracts were approved by the registrar who had no authority to do so.
“A sample of 51 payments to vouchers amounting to N247million were in breach of the extant circular of March, 2009, on splitting of contracts and financial regulations 3116 and 3117.
“The Registrar was requested, in line with Financial Regulations 3116 to explain within 21 days from the date of my report, why he indulged in the splitting of contracts. His response dated 14th May, did not satisfactorily address the query.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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