EFCC Investigates Contracts Awarded to Brother of Former Aviation Minister
In a recent development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into contracts awarded to a company allegedly connected to the brother of Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The EFCC’s probe revealed that Engirios Nigerian Limited, a company purportedly linked to Sirika’s brother, was awarded four significant contracts during Sirika’s tenure as the aviation minister.
According to the EFCC, investigations have confirmed that Abubakar Sirika, identified as the managing director/chief executive officer of Engirios Nigerian Limited, is the only authorized signatory for the company’s accounts.
The contracts awarded to Engirios Nigerian Limited include:
- Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport – valued at N1,345,586,500.00
- Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport – valued at N3,811,497,685.00
- Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners, and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja – valued at N615,195,275.00
- Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria – valued at N2,296,897,404.00
The EFCC suspects that Hadi Sirika, during his tenure as the aviation minister, awarded these contracts to his brother’s company, despite being aware that his brother holds a civil servant position as a deputy director within the Federal Ministry of Water Resources since 2000.
This revelation has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and nepotism in the awarding of government contracts. As the investigation unfolds, questions will undoubtedly arise regarding the transparency and integrity of the procurement process during Sirika’s tenure as the aviation minister.
For now, the EFCC’s probe into the contracts awarded to Engirios Nigerian Limited underscores the importance of accountability and oversight in government spending. As stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation, there will likely be increased scrutiny of similar contracts awarded during Sirika’s tenure and calls for transparency and adherence to due process in future procurement activities.
