By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives Committee on Disability has launched an investigation into the procurement processes and project implementation activities of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) following allegations of financial irregularities raised by stakeholders.
The committee, chaired by Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, took the decision during its proceedings on Thursday after hearing complaints bordering on contract awards, project execution and administrative practices within the commission.
Stakeholders who appeared before the panel alleged that several procurement activities and projects executed by the commission may have been inflated, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of funds meant for persons with disabilities.
One of the stakeholders, Abdullahi Ibrahim, accused the commission of inflating the cost of certain projects and procurement contracts running into tens of millions of naira.
According to him, the situation has generated deep concerns within the disability community.
“It is worrisome that the National Disability Commission is becoming the headquarters of corruption in the disability community because of what has been happening there,” he alleged.
Ibrahim cited what he described as a questionable procurement involving Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, claiming the contract value was allegedly exaggerated.
“How can a disability commission pay about N97 million for 101 POS machines with starter packs when the actual cost is far lower?” he queried.
He further alleged that some training programmes and equipment procurement exercises carried out by the commission were also awarded at highly inflated costs.
In response, members of the committee acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized the need for verifiable documentary evidence to substantiate the claims.
They urged stakeholders making submissions to provide supporting documents that would assist the committee in carrying out a thorough and objective investigation.
Earlier in his presentation before the committee, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, explained that his administration had taken steps to address procurement irregularities discovered shortly after he assumed office in August 2024.
He disclosed that although his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took effect on August 6, 2024, he was unable to immediately resume duties due to hospitalization following an accident and only assumed office about two weeks later.
According to him, upon resumption he discovered that his predecessor had presided over the award of contracts during the interim period, a development he described as irregular.
“Upon resumption 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.
He explained that the commission’s Procurement Tenders Board (PTB) subsequently reviewed the process and declared the contracts illegal.
“So we summoned the meeting of the PTB and the decision was reached that all of the procurements that the former ES presided over were illegal, null and void. Those contracts were revoked and a new process was initiated for the 2024 procurement,” he said.
The Executive Secretary assured lawmakers that detailed documentation regarding the procurement process would be formally submitted to the committee for scrutiny.
“I will document everything and formally present it to you,” he assured the lawmakers.
Beyond procurement concerns, Gufwan also outlined ongoing reforms aimed at expanding the commission’s presence and services across the country.
He noted that when he assumed office, the commission had no operational zonal offices despite provisions in its enabling law mandating nationwide coverage.
“I didn’t inherit one single zonal office. As a person with disability, I understand the logistics of transportation and the challenges involved, which are often overwhelming,” he said.
He disclosed that the commission had since established regional offices in Plateau, Bauchi, Abia and Oyo states, covering the North-Central, North-East, South-East and South-West zones respectively, while plans were underway to open offices in the remaining regions.
“Our goal is to decentralize the operations of the commission and bring government services closer to persons with disabilities across the country,” he added.
The Executive Secretary also explained that limited funding had constrained the commission’s ability to host delegations of persons with disabilities who travel from different parts of the country to seek assistance.
“In most cases when people with disabilities come from far and near, they tell me they do not have accommodation or transport. The commission does not have those funds readily available, and it is for fear of embarrassment that we sometimes decline such visits,” he said.
Members of the committee indicated that additional engagement sessions may be scheduled to allow more stakeholders to present their submissions and evidence.
The lawmakers emphasized that the investigation was aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and effective service delivery, stressing that millions of Nigerians living with disabilities depend on the programmes and interventions of the commission.
