Director Of Looting: Bauchi State Government’s Assistant Director, Armaya’u Garba Diverts Multi-Million Naira Contract To His Firm 

Secrets reporters

Investigations have exposed how corruption has eroded the Bauchi State government through the actions of Armaya’u Garba, an assistant Director with the Directorate for Computer Services/ICT Infrastructure at Bauchi State Government. His actions violate provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which govern ethical conduct in public service.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) was established to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. Among its core regulations is the prohibition of public officials from owning or managing private businesses while employed full-time in government service. This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption, except for businesses in the farming sector, which are exempt from the rule.

Armaya’u Garba used a private company, Asighnet Nigeria Ltd, where he serves as a director, to secure a government contract worth ₦8,728,472.08. This practice, known as contract racketeering, undermines the integrity of public procurement processes and raises serious ethical concerns.

The contract was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Power (HQTRs) on May 30, 2024, for the construction of a retaining wall and use of boulders for Ikeja West, Ilupeju, Maryland, 132 kV line, Akangba (T11). This type of project is crucial for the stability and efficiency of the power distribution network, making transparency in contract allocation all the more essential.

Asighnet Nigeria Ltd was incorporated on 23 October 2008, in Abuja, with registration number 781367. The company’s registered address is N0.27, Aliakilu Road, Kaduna. The existence of this company and its involvement in government contracts suggest a blatant disregard for public service rules that prohibit conflicts of interest.

Among the key directors of the company is Armaya’u Garba, an assistant director at the Directorate for Computer Services/ICT Infrastructure at Bauchi State Government. 

The misuse of office for financial benefits is a clear breach of ethical standards and legal provisions meant to ensure accountability in governance.

Such practices not only weaken public confidence in government organisations but also give undue advantages to insiders. The continued presence of corruption in public procurement remains a major challenge in Nigeria, undermining efforts toward economic development and good governance.