N18bn contractors’ debt: Group accuses SSA to the President of plans to divert funds

Human Rights Group Advocates for People Right and Justice, has raised an alarm over the alleged plans by the office of the Senior Special Adviser, SSA, to the President on Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, to divert, misappropriate funds meant for the payment of local contractors who are being owed over N18 billion.

The group accused the office of the SSA to the President on MDGs of plans to divert part of the N15bn released for the payment of the contractors by awarding fresh contracts to themselves and cronies while deliberately refusing and neglecting to pay the contractors who the funds were meant for.

In a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari by its National Coordinator, Victor Giwa, the group accused the office of the SSA of diversion of funds and perversion of some sections of the procurement Act.

According to Giwa “The summary of the facts is that certain Nigerians, businessmen and small scale business owners and employers of labour had in 2013/2014 bided and won numerous contracts under the OSSAP on MDGs for various works in all the states of Nigeria. The contracts were executed, evaluated and confirmation was given by the relevant authority and certify action issued for onward payment.

“Sir, instead of prompt payment of the contractors, who had by their letter of awards, sought and received loans and other credit facilities from various bank for the execution of the project, the former SSAP indulged in selective payment, manipulation and fund diversion, paying a meagre amount to the real contractors.