A recent investigation by BusinessDay revealed that Reinforced Global Resources Limited, owned by Joshua Okoro, received N60.1 billion in payments from the Federal Ministry of Works through 27 transactions. The company had no prior federal contracts before David Umahi became Minister of Works. Okoro was a campaigner for Umahi during the 2023 election, raising questions about the award process.
The BusinessDay report, published on September 25, highlighted potential irregularities in the contract award, including a possible breach of the Public Procurement Act 2007. Several Nigerians reacted on social media platform X, calling for the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the contracts and the relationship between Umahi and Okoro. They demanded clarity on the use of public funds and the tender process.
Reacting to the public outcry, BusinessDay contacted the ICPC to determine if it was reviewing the findings. ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated he was unaware of any investigation and had not received a petition. He requested that the investigation details be shared with him for further action. The report was subsequently sent to him on September 30, but the ICPC had not announced any investigation or action as of the report's filing date.
The EFCC also received a query from BusinessDay regarding a possible investigation into the contracts. However, calls and messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp received no response. The EFCC had not publicly announced an investigation into the issues raised by BusinessDay as of the report's filing date.
The Federal Ministry of Works, Minister David Umahi, and Joshua Okoro were contacted by BusinessDay for their responses before publishing the investigation but did not respond. The report's findings have sparked concerns about the award of public contracts and potential conflicts of interest.
Key stakeholders, including Onyedika Jo Amadi, called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the relationship between Umahi and Okoro and prosecute anyone found culpable. Others, like 'The Field Marshall,' questioned whether the findings warranted inviting Umahi for questioning and criticised the unequal scrutiny of politically exposed persons and suspected internet fraudsters by the EFCC.
The EFCC and ICPC's silence on the matter has raised concerns about the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. The public is awaiting a response from the agencies on the N60.1 billion contract awarded to Okoro's company.
Key points
- The EFCC and ICPC have not commented on the BusinessDay report.
- The contract award has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and breaches of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
- The public is calling for an investigation into the relationship between Umahi and Okoro.
