NILDS faults audit report on N375.8m vehicle purchase

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has faulted claims made by the Office of Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) on alleged N375.8million vehicle purchases in 2016.

The AuGF had in the 2016 Audit Report alleged that NILDS raised the price of the 11 purchased vehicles by N36m through inflation of prices thereby raising the budget for the vehicles to N375.8m.

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The AGF in the Audit report, also alleged that NILDS under the leadership of Professor Ladi Hamalai, also illegally paid N67million into another account. 

But, NILDS in its response made available by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts which, investigated the queries, said the alleged N36million difference in the vehicles purchase arose from price variation due to change in the model of the vehicle supplied and was done with full approval of appropriate authorities and in line with laid down processes and procedures.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Mathew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South), has directed the clerk of the committee to invite NILDS management for physical appearance and defence of the queries.