NILDS tackles AGF over alleged N375.8m vehicle purchase

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has tackled the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation over the alleged N375.8m vehicle purchase in 2016.

The AuGF, had in a 2016 audit report, alleged that the NILDS cornered N36m from inflation of prices of 11 vehicles it purchased in the year totaling N375.8m.

• NIGERIA DAILY: Is Nigeria Ready to Tackle Impunity?
• Gambian elections: A triumph for democracy in Africa

The report also alleged that the NILDS, under the leadership of Ladi Hamalai, illegally paid N67m into another account.

But the NILDS said the alleged N36m differential in the vehicles’ purchase arose from price variation due to change in the model of the vehicles supplied.

It was done with full approval of appropriate authorities and in line with laid down processes and procedures, it said.

In the alleged N67m paid to payees not on vouchers, the institute said the alleged infraction had been sorted out with the contractors.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the committee, Senator Mathew Urhoghidem has directed the committee’s clerk to invite the NILDS management over the queries.