The House of Representatives Committee on Disability has commenced an investigation into the procurement activities of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities following allegations of financial irregularities involving a ₦97 million Point-of-Sale machine contract.
The probe began on Thursday during an investigative hearing held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Chairman of the committee, Bashiru Dawodu, said the inquiry was initiated after members of the disability community raised concerns over contract awards, project implementation and administrative practices within the commission.
One of the petitioners, Abdullahi Ibrahim, told lawmakers that stakeholders in the disability community were worried about what he described as questionable financial practices within the agency.
He alleged that the commission approved a contract valued at about ₦97 million for the procurement of 101 Point-of-Sale machines with starter packs, a figure he claimed was far above the market value.
According to him, the development had raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of funds meant for persons with disabilities.
Responding to the allegations, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, told the committee that some of the contracts under scrutiny were approved during the transition period by his predecessor, James David Lalu.
Gufwan said although his appointment took effect on August 6, 2024, he could not immediately resume duties due to injuries sustained in an accident and only assumed office about two weeks later.
He explained that upon assumption of office, he discovered that certain procurement decisions had been taken during the transition period.
“Upon assumption about two weeks afterwards, I was shocked to discover that my predecessor, who should have handed over on the 6th, took decisive decisions on behalf of the commission as a former executive secretary,” he told the committee.
According to him, the commission’s Procurement Tenders Board later reviewed the contracts and declared them illegal, null and void.
He added that the affected procurements were subsequently revoked and a fresh process initiated for the 2024 procurement cycle.
Gufwan assured the lawmakers that the commission would submit all relevant documents to support its position and assist the committee in conducting a thorough investigation.
Members of the committee stressed that the allegations must be supported with documentary evidence and noted that the investigative process would continue as more stakeholders are expected to appear before the panel.