Scandal Rocks FCT Police Command: Multi-Million Naira Contracts Awarded Before Approval, Handed to Unregistered Contractors

Secrets Reporters

A federal audit report obtained by this online media has lifted the lid on glaring procurement violations within the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, revealing contract awards and payments totaling ₦3,828,476.64 were made in breach of existing financial laws and regulations. The findings expose a disturbing pattern of impunity, where due process was thrown to the wind like chaff in a whirlwind.

At the heart of the revelations is a breach of Section 24(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, which mandates open competitive bidding for all procurements.

The audit uncovered that sixteen contracts were awarded in 2020 to only two contractors, sidestepping the required open competition and making a mockery of the principles of transparency and accountability. Paragraph 603(i) of the Financial Regulations, 2009 was also flouted, as the vouchers used to authorize these payments lacked the necessary supporting details and documents, such as local purchase orders and time sheets.

Further scrutiny showed that payment vouchers were prepared and contracts awarded before securing the required approval from the appropriate authorities—a blatant case of putting the cart before the horse.

The audit also noted that the two contractors who benefitted from the ₦3.8 million windfall were not even registered with the Nigeria Police Force, a mandatory precondition for bidding and contract execution within the agency.

One particularly troubling detail was the handling of a contract for detainees’ feeding. Rather than follow proper revalidation procedures, the authorities relied on a stale and outdated letter of award.

Additionally, the use of photocopied documents such as receipts and store vouchers as supporting evidence contravened procurement standards. This, combined with the failure to obtain quotations from at least three unrelated suppliers—as required under Section 41(2) of the PPA, 2007—paints a picture of a process riddled with shortcuts and circumvention.

The auditors attributed these anomalies to weaknesses in the internal control mechanisms within the FCT Police Command. Such lapses, the report warned, open the floodgates for contract awards to unqualified vendors and increase the risk of government funds being misappropriated or siphoned off.

Even more unsettling was the management’s complete silence on the matter. Despite the seriousness of the findings, the FCT Police Command failed to offer any explanation or rebuttal, leaving the audit red flags to stand without challenge. According to the auditor’s evaluation, the lack of response only reinforces the validity of the infractions until concrete remedial steps are taken.

The report did not mince words in its recommendations. It urged the Inspector General of Police to justify the questionable expenditure before the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

Additionally, the entire sum of ₦3,828,476.64 is to be recovered and remitted into the national treasury. Failure to do so would warrant the application of sanctions as outlined in paragraph 3106 of the Financial Regulations, 2009, the audit said.