Reps to probe Finance Ministry, OAGF over alleged fraudulent activities in contractors’ payments

The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated its Committee on Finance to investigate the allegations of fraudulent practices in the payment of contractors by officials of Federal Ministries of Finance and Accountant-General’s Office in the last three years.

The committee is to identify the perpetrators, recommend appropriate sanctions and report within four weeks for further legislative actions.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep Paul Nnamchi, Prof Julius Ihonvbere and Aminu Sani Jaji. Prof Ihonvbere, who moved the motion on behalf of the sponsors, observed that there are reports of contractors being coerced into offering kickbacks or facing unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing their invoices by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He raised concerns that corrupt practices in contractor payments can lead to the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, loss of jobs, and economic hardship, contrary to the objectives of the present administration’s economic recovery efforts.

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He expressed worries that the unrestrained continuation of these corrupt practices discourages credible investors and undermines faith in the government’s ability to uphold transparency and accountability.

He said if the allegations werr not thoroughly investigated and addressed, contractors will lose 

confidence in government engagements, leading to slowed economic development and failed infrastructure projects nationwide.

Ihonvbere said the situation demands an urgent and decisive response in line with Section 88(1) and (2) that empowers the National Assembly to investigate any matter related to the administration of laws within its legislative competence.

The House while adopting the motion, resolved to urge the Federal Government to strengthen internal controls and enforce strict penalties for officials found culpable in corrupt practices within the payment system and recommend the establishment of a transparent and accountable digital payment system that eliminates discretionary human interference in contractor payments, ensuring timely  disbursement and compliance with due process.