By High Chief Peter Ameh
THE recent contracts approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for various infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised eyebrows due to their exorbitant costs.
A closer examination of the contract sums and their implications reveals a disturbing trend that warrants scrutiny.
Let’s further break down the contract sums and percentage variations.
Contract 1:
- Access road to FCT Fire Service institution and erosion control in Kaura district.
- – Contract sum: N13.182 billion
- – Completion period: 18 months. More public disclosure required
Contract 2:
- Engineering Infrastructure to Guzape district lot 1.
- – Original contract sum: N22.2 billion
- – Revised contract sum: N70.890 billion
- – Percentage variation: 219% increase
- – Completion period: Additional 18 months
Contract 3:
- Access road bypassing the airport’s second railway.
- – Contract sum: N27.6 billion
- – Length: 7 kilometres
- – Cost per kilometre: N3.943 billion (approximately)
- – Completion period: 12 months
Contract 4:
- Rehabilitation and resurfacing of existing roads.
- – Contract sum: N20.4 billion
- – Completion period: 8 months
Contract 5
- Engineering Infrastructure to outstanding layout within Guzape lot 1 and 2.
- – Contract sum: N54.376 billion
- – Completion period: 18 months
Contract 6:
- Rehabilitation of Phase one, three and four lower Usuma Dam water treatment plant.
- – Contract sum: N17.2 billion and $79,000
- – Completion period: 12 months
The contract sums and percentage variations are quite significant, especially for Contract 2, which saw a *219%* increase from the original contract sum. The cost per kilometre for Contract 3 is also noteworthy, at approximately N3.943 billion. These figures warrant further scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.
The most striking aspect of these contracts is their sheer cost. The contract for the construction of a 7-kilometre access road, for instance, comes with a staggering price tag of N27.6 billion. This works out to a staggering N3.943 billion per kilometre, a cost that is unprecedented in Nigerian infrastructure projects.
Similarly, the contract for the engineering infrastructure to Guzape district lot 1 has been revised upwards by a whopping 219%, from N22.2 billion to N70.890 billion.
The obvious question that arises from these figures is: what exactly is driving up these costs? Is it kickbacks? Is it the result of thorough and transparent procurement processes, or are there more sinister factors at play? The Nigerian government owes it to its citizens to provide clear and convincing answers to these questions.
The recent contracts approved by the FEC for infrastructure projects in the FCT are a cause for concern. The exorbitant costs and lack of transparency surrounding these contracts raise questions about the government’s commitment to accountability and value for money.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with numerous development challenges, it is imperative that the government prioritise projects that have a tangible impact on the lives of its citizens at a low cost.
The obvious fact here is that these contracts seem to be inflated, and the government needs to provide clear explanations for these costs.
The Nigerian people deserve transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
•High Chief Peter Ameh is the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) as well as the former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
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