Connect with us

News

2025 Budget: NEFGAD Writes President Tinubu, BPP over N6.9 Trillion Projects Without Needs Assessment, Plans Legal Action

Published

on

2025 Budget: NEFGAD Writes President Tinubu, BPP over N6.9 Trillion Projects Without Needs Assessment, Plans Legal Action

By: Michael Mike

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a leading public procurement advocacy group in Nigeria has alleged the insertion of over 11,000 projects without credible needs assessment and fall outside the statutory mandates, valued at N6.9 trillion into the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly

The organisation in a letter to President Bola Tinubu and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) expressed serious concern over the insertion of over 11,000 projects valued at N6.9 trillion into the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, many of which lack a credible needs assessment and fall outside the statutory mandates of the implementing agencies/ procuring entities.

According to the letter, the revelation, originally highlighted by BudgIT, a civic tech organisation promoting transparency in public finance, exposes a worrying trend of budgetary insertions that bypass due process, violate existing procurement laws, and distort national development priorities.

In the letter signed by its country head of office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi, NEFGAD referenced Section 18 (a–g) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, which mandates all procuring entities to conduct needs assessments and cost evaluations as the most fundamental aspect of public procurement planning by any entity.

The letter read: “Implementing projects without such critical element contravenes the law and undermines principles of fiscal prudence, accountability, and strategic planning’’.

NEFGAD further argued that executing projects outside the establishment mandates of MDAs has equally become a recurring problem that fuels duplication, weakens institutional clarity, and leads to policy incoherence.

The organisation warned that any budgetary allocation or procurement line item not backed by legally required planning frameworks or outside an agency’s constitutional mandate is not only procedurally defective but also a potential drain-pipe for public funds.

The group also pointed out the inherent contradiction of the National Assembly undermining the very law it enacted by inserting constituency projects without following due process or involving the procurement planning committees of the relevant MDAs, as prescribed under Section 20 (1) of the Act.

In light of the above, NEFGAD called on President Tinubu and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to direct all MDAs to immediately desist from implementing any project that falls outside their statutory mandate, or that was inserted into the national budget without mandatory needs assessment.

NEFGAD reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and fiscal responsibility, and warned that it is prepared to initiate legal action to challenge the implementation of any project that contravenes the Public Procurement Act or the constitutional mandates of implementing agencies.

“Public funds must be spent based on real needs—not political convenience. We stand ready to partner with the Tinubu administration to ensure transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s budget implementation,” the statement insisted.

2025 Budget: NEFGAD Writes President Tinubu, BPP over N6.9 Trillion Projects Without Needs Assessment, Plans Legal Action

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

Published

on

COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday commended the security situation in Enugu State, noting significant improvements across the state.

Lt Gen Shuaibu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said his visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the Regular Short Service Module (RSM) Convention, aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and professional development among RSMs.

“I am pleased to report that security in Enugu has significantly improved, as briefed by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. The state has shown remarkable cooperation with the military, which has enhanced operational effectiveness,” he said.

The COAS praised Governor Mbah for his support to the Army and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining peace and ensuring a safe environment for residents.

Highlighting the RSM Convention, Lt Gen Shuaibu noted that the programme equipped participants with knowledge to lead with integrity, mentor soldiers, and enhance discipline and regimentation within the Army.

Governor Mbah, in his remarks, welcomed the COAS and described his appointment as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to national security.

Mbah said it was an honor to host him in Enugu and formally congratulate him on his appointment. He commended the COAS for immediately hitting the ground running, noting that he had already visited the northeast to assess security operations.

Governor Mbah acknowledged the critical role of the military in ensuring a safe and secure environment, stating, “We could not have achieved the sort of safe and secure city and state that we have here today without the active support of the Army. This is a partnership, and this support is going to be sustained.”

He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration, expressing confidence that joint engagement between the state and the military would strengthen security objectives nationwide.

On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, Governor Mbah warmly welcomed the COAS to the state and wished him a fruitful visit during the closing ceremony of the Regiment Seargent Major (RSM) Convention.

COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

Continue Reading

News

Three security personnel killed in armed ambush in Doma LGA, Nasarawa

Published

on

Three security personnel killed in armed ambush in Doma LGA, Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed robbers on Wednesday ambushed a security patrol team along the Idadu–Agbashi road in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing three security operatives.

Zagazola Makama from sources that the victims included a police inspector, Christopher Enoh, and two vigilante members, Mathew John and Augustine Yusuf, all from Agbashi town.

The source said the team was on routine patrol when the gunmen opened fire, leading to the deaths of the three personnel on the spot.

“The attackers also stole an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition belonging to the late inspector before escaping from the scene,” the source said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Agbashi General Hospital mortuary.

According to the source, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapon.
End

Continue Reading

Education

321 companies jostle for UBEC projects in Adamawa

Published

on

321 companies jostle for UBEC projects in Adamawa

No fewer than 321 companies have tendered their bids for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Matching Grant projects in Adamawa.

Dr Murtala Babayi, Executive Chairman Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), disclosed this at the Pre-qualification Technical Bid Opening Ceremony in Yola.

According to him, the event underscored the state government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency.

Babayi, however, cautioned the contractors against conniving with any individual at the board to engage in fraudulent documentation.

“We are calling on all of you the biders; you should ensure that you did not follow any route that will involve you into trouble in the near future.

“You should also not try to compromise with our staff by bringing in papers that are not up-to-date. If at any time we discover this we will deal with any perpetrator,” he said.

The chairman listed the projects to include construction of one block of three classrooms with office and veranda, supply of school furniture, drilling of solar-powered boreholes and construction of perimeter fence.

He commended Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for his timely release of funds and commitment to basic education as a right to every child.

In her remarks, Mrs Rahila Gyndi, the Board’s Director of Procurement, said the bid was in compliance with section 16 of the Procurement Act 2007.

She said the Act stipulated that only contractors with the requisite capacity, resources, and experience were eligible to participate in government procurement processes.

Gyndi assured that the board would soon come up with a list of successful bidders who would qualify for the next stage of the process.

Mr Philip Dawa, who spoke on behalf of the biders, appreciated the board for giving them the opportunity to submit their proposals for consideration.

He assured that successful companies would do a quality work in compliance with the projects’ deadline and specification.

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights