EFCC probing contractor over abandoned Abuja cargo terminal – Sirika

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded investigations on the contractor handling one of the cargo terminal projects at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja for leaving the site after mobilization.

He stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to defend the 2023 budget proposal of the ministry on Tuesday.

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He said, “There are two cargo projects in Abuja. One has been completely finished and will be commissioned by His Excellency Mr. President soon. The second one, the contract was given in 2012, the contractors were advanced money up to about 75%.

“These contracts were abandoned by the contractors. Mr. President directed that they be investigated, prosecuted and the monies recovered but because we don’t have prosecuting powers.

“We reported to EFCC now in the last three and half years, they confirmed to me that they have finished the investigation. This is worrisome. We will inform the House when we see EFCC and they brief us formally”.

Sirika however said, the aviation ministry has recorded significant achievements in almost all areas in the sector within the last seven years of President Muhamadu Buhari.

He said, “We have provided the safety and security needed in the aviation sector, which has led to the certification for the first time ever in the history of the country of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport.”

Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Nnolim Nnaji said, the committee has been on several oversight visits and will make recommendations on some of their observations.

He said, “You would recall that the committee spent most of last week visiting some projects executed by the ministry and some of its agencies within the FCT.

“Within the next few weeks, the committee will be embarking on similar tours to the other three International Airport Terminals slated for concession,” said the lawmaker.