The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, of awarding contracts to fake and unqualified companies.
The group also accused him of breaking procurement laws and misusing public money.
In a petition to be submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), NACAT detailed several suspicious transactions.
The petition claims that the SGF’s office awarded contracts without due process, diverted funds, and ignored key financial rules. According to NACAT, this pattern of abuse has been ongoing since Akume assumed office in June 2023.
Millions Paid to Fake or Inactive Companies
One example cited was Eagle Construction Ltd, which received ₦223.3 million from a ₦830 million contract to build an SGF annexe in Abuja.
Although the company was registered in 1981, NACAT claimed that its directors were changed in January 2023 to gain access to the contract. The group called it a “special purpose vehicle” used to move public funds.
Another case involved two companies—Vent Force Ltd and Total Facilities Management Ltd. They were paid more than ₦10 million in total for cleaning and fumigation services in late 2024.
However, both companies had inactive registration status with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at the time of the payment, which makes them ineligible for public contracts under Nigerian law.
NACAT also pointed fingers at Maurice Mbakwe, the Permanent Secretary in the General Services Office of the SGF. The group described his department as the “engine room” for how funds move within the SGF’s office. They claim many shady payments passed through this office without proper checks.
Contracts Awarded Without Proper Bidding
NACAT reminded the public that any government contract above ₦200,000 must go through open competitive bidding. This includes advertisements in newspapers and procurement journals. But they allege that the SGF’s office skipped these steps. Instead, contracts were awarded secretly, and millions of naira changed hands without proper documentation.
NACAT also referred to Treasury circulars issued in 2009 and 2013. These circulars prohibit government offices from paying more than ₦200,000 into personal bank accounts.
But the petition claims that several SGF staff received millions of naira directly into their personal accounts, violating this policy.
Millions Paid into Personal Bank Accounts for Trips That Never Happened
The petition listed several civil servants who allegedly received huge payments for activities that never happened or were not allowed under the SGF’s mandate.
One example is Mr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, a Permanent Secretary. He was paid ₦15.5 million for estacode and air tickets for a trip to Rwanda. NACAT said there is no evidence he actually travelled.
Another official, Mr. Auta Nathaniel, was paid ₦5.2 million to visit state offices of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). But the SGF’s office has no power to carry out such visits.
Also, Mr. Tahir Rabiu was paid ₦46.7 million for a trip to Germany involving the SGF and his aides. NACAT said the trip never happened.
Mr. David Ezeh, a project accountant, was paid over ₦74 million between August and October 2024. The money was said to be for media engagement. However, NACAT said the funds should have gone through proper agencies and been paid directly to media organisations, not to a civil servant’s personal account.
NACAT Calls for Immediate Removal of Akume
The group wants both the EFCC and ICPC to begin a full probe into these allegations. NACAT believes the financial transactions point to “a deliberate and systemic looting of public funds.”
They issued a strong message to President Bola Tinubu. “Those entrusted with public office must be reminded that power is not a license to loot—it is a duty to serve. President Bola Tinubu must, therefore, test the waters as a man who claims to be committed to ridding Nigeria of corruption by removing Senator George Akume from office without delay. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” the group said.
These accusations come at a time when Nigeria is facing serious economic challenges. The House of Representatives had earlier revealed that over 60% of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been breaking financial rules.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
