The review revealed that each contract received only one bid, and in every instance, the sole bidder was awarded the contract, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.
An investigation by SaharaReporters into the Ebonyi state open contracting portal has uncovered irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the construction of 12 classroom storey buildings across the state.
The review revealed that each contract received only one bid, and in every instance, the sole bidder was awarded the contract, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.
This is despite the provision of the state open contracting law that stresses a competitive process for contract award. Regarding the details on the state’s portal, it is unclear why multiple companies were not chosen to bid for the projects.
Details reviewed shows that on October 7,2024, the state government awarded a contract for the construction of 12 classroom storey building in Ugwulangwu secondary school.
The contract was awarded to Jammani Premium Investment Limited at the sum of N172 million. The review however shows that it was the only company that put in a bid and it was given the contract, showing that the state may not have followed the procurement standards that called for competitive process in the award of contracts.
Another company that was awarded a contract for the construction of a 12-storey building in Akaeze comprehensive secondary school, Ugwuagba was Triple H Concrete and Asphalt Works Limited.
The contract sum stood at N172 million and was awarded on October 7, 2024.
Also, Bestmico Merchandise Nigeria Limited got a N172 million contract was for a 12-storey building at Community Secondary School, Abaomege and was awarded the contract on October 7, 2024.
The contract for the 12-storey building at Izzikworo Secondary School stood at N172 million and was awarded to the only company that was listed to have put in a bid, Emseng Engineering Services Limited.
The contract for the construction of a 12-classroom storey building in Ishagu High School, Ishagu was awarded to Global Today Engineering Services at the rate of N172 million on June 5, 2024.
Others that got similar contracts include Foundation Years Limited for Ebia Oshiri Comprehensive Secondary School at the sum of N172 million on June 5, 2024.
At Echiele Secondary School, Ishiagu, a contract of N172 million was awarded to Wellness Energy Result on October 7, 2024.
Others include Groundfox Design and Construction Nigeria Limited which was awarded a contract at the sum of N172 million on October 7, 2024.
The contract for a 12-storey building at Kpakpaji High School was awarded to Onye Andrew Project Limited at the sum of N172 million on June 5, 2024.
At Community Secondary School, Ohaoffia, Agba, a contract of N172 million was awarded to Uzochukwu Top Class Limited on October 7, 2024.
StemTech Nigeria Limited got its N172 million contract on February 21, 2024; HC Carter’s Ventures got its October 7, 2024; Kanbedone Engineering and Construction Company Limited was awarded its contract on June 5, 2024.
Integrated Simap Limited, Centennial Logistics Limited, and Esonas Investment Limited were also awarded N172 million contracts on October 10, 2024. BMG Space Solution Limited, Ben Hen Engineering Limited, Senior Kendo Ventures Limited, Emadav and CJ Nigeria Limited, and Geneson Investment Limited also got N172 million contracts awarded to them on June 5, 2024.
Other contractors who won contracts without competition per details on the state open contracting portal include Njoku C.C and Sons, N172 million; Skiland International Limited, N172 million; Seyimartins Limited, N172 million; Gorrion Engineering Limited, N172 million, and Davlenda Construction Limited, N172 million.
All of the listed contracts were awarded between June and October 2024.
SaharaReporters earlier reported how the state abused procurement standards in the award of contracts to former Governor Dave Umahi’s relations.
When contacted, Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Bureau of Public Procurement, Uzoma Betty, blamed the development on non-responsiveness of bidders.
“Our bid is always out for 30 days, what happens in a case where we put a bid out for 30 days and the bids didn’t come in? Will we force the people to bid or will we not award the contracts?” she said.
She promised to provide a more detailed response later, addressing the specific concerns raised by SaharaReporters in its reports.