Reps Committee Seeks Evidence Over NCPWD Procurement Allegations

The House of Representatives Committee on Disability has resolved to investigate the procurement and project implementation activities of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD, following allegations of irregularities raised by stakeholders.

The Chairman of the committee, Bashiru Dawodu, took the decision after hearing complaints alleging inflated contract awards, project execution irregularities, and questionable administrative practices within the commission.

Stakeholders claimed that procurement exercises and projects executed by the commission involved inflated costs, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in managing funds for persons with disabilities.

One stakeholder, Abdullahi Ibrahim, alleged that some contracts, including a recent purchase of point-of-sale, POS, machines, were significantly overvalued.

“How can a disability commission pay about N97 million for 101 POS machines with starter packs when the actual cost is far lower?” he asked.

Ibrahim also alleged that training programs and equipment procurements had been awarded at inflated costs, describing the situation as a source of growing concern within the disability community.

The committee acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but urged stakeholders to provide verifiable documentary evidence to support their claims.

Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, told lawmakers that upon assuming office in August 2024, he discovered that contracts awarded by his predecessor during an interim period were irregular.

He said the commission’s Procurement Tenders Board reviewed and nullified those contracts, initiating a new procurement process.

Gufwan also highlighted reforms aimed at expanding the commission’s reach, noting that regional offices had been established in Plateau, Bauchi, Abia, and Oyo states, with plans for nationwide coverage.

He added that limited funding had constrained the commission’s ability to host delegations of persons with disabilities traveling from across Nigeria.

Committee members said further engagements may be scheduled to allow additional stakeholders to submit evidence.

Lawmakers emphasized that the probe aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji