Secret Reporters No place to hide
Secrets Reporters
A troubling case of ethical violation has surfaced involving Stephen Adole Benson, a lecturer at the University of Abuja’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Despite his status as a civil servant, Benson operates Domeo Ventures Limited, a private company that has secured significant federal contracts.
This conduct blatantly contravenes Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for Public Officers, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of ethical standards in the public service.
Domeo Ventures Limited, which Benson partially owns, was awarded contracts totaling ₦210,566,906.74 by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) for installing a solar system at its Lagos Liaison Office. An advance payment of ₦63,941,781.26 was made in August 2024, followed by a final payment of ₦146,625,125.48 in November. These transactions, awarded to a company owned by a public servant, highlight a glaring conflict of interest and a breach of constitutional provisions.
The Nigerian Constitution explicitly prohibits public officers from engaging in private businesses or entering into contracts with the government to avoid conflicts of interest. Benson’s actions appear to violate these stipulations, undermining the trust placed in public servants.
Moreover, the Nigerian Public Procurement Act mandates transparency and competitiveness in awarding contracts to ensure accountability and value for public funds. The apparent lack of adherence to these requirements by NITT raises concerns about possible collusion and the diversion of public funds.
Domeo Ventures Limited, incorporated in May 2021, operates from Life Camp, Abuja, and engages in general contracting and procurement. Benson, who holds a 40% stake, has been listed as one of its directors. This dual role as a public servant and private entrepreneur benefiting from government contracts exemplifies the systemic lapses in enforcing ethics laws within Nigeria’s civil service.
The failure of the NITT to follow due process in awarding these contracts raises further suspicions. The absence of competitive bidding and transparency suggests a deliberate flouting of procurement laws. Such practices erode public confidence in the integrity of government agencies and call for a comprehensive investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau and anti-corruption agencies to address this issue.
This case underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of ethical standards in the public sector. Without decisive action, cases like Benson’s will continue to undermine governance and fuel public skepticism about the management of public resources.
