Aviation Ministry, Coalition Differ On Alleged Contract Fraud

The Coalition Against Malpractices and Corruption (COMAC) has urged the Presidency and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe procurement activities at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, alleging fraudulent activities and awarding contracts to companies that are not traceable and qualified for such projects.

The coalition made up of Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), Association of Media Practitioners in Oil and Gas Producing Areas (AMEPROGAS), and Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development said it has written to the ministry, its permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, in pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, requesting explanation and details of all procurement records, bid documents, payment vouchers, company registration verification, tax compliance certificates and all other documentation relating to the award and payment of contracts but got no response.

Briefing journalists in Abuja yesterday, convener of COMAC, Comrade Odey Otunu said, “Our FoI request was following our investigations which uncovered extensive violations of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 by senior officials of the ministry in the award and payment of multi-billion naira contracts to non-existent companies, newly registered entities with no track record, tax non-compliant firms and companies whose business objectives are grossly misaligned with the contracts awarded to them, amounting to about N30 billion.”

Reacting to the allegations, Kana said he has not awarded any contracts since he came to the ministry. “In addition, since I came to the aviation ministry, we have not awarded any contracts,” he said.

The permanent secretary said Kana Investment Limited, with registration number: 4191888, registered on July 8, 2001, which he is alleged to still be a director, is inactive and belongs to his late father.