The contract sum for the supply of 35 Beltransfo transformers of various capacities through Direct Purchase was one hundred and ninety-seven million five hundred and twelve thousand five hundred naira (₦197,512,500), as reportedly awarded on 24th May, 2021 to Best International Energy Services Limited.
Best International Energy Services was allegedly paid 70% of the contract sum as mobilization fee, which is equivalent to one hundred and thirty-eight million two hundred and fifty-eight thousand seven hundred and fifty naira (₦138,258,750).
According to a statement signed and released to newsmen by the Press Secretary, Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD)- Saeed Tijjani, the letter authorizing the release of the payment to the contractor dated 20th May, 2021, was written even before the contract was awarded to the contractor on the 24th of May, 2021, and also before the Ministry received the acceptance of the offer from the contractor, suggesting a lack of due process and a possible procurement malpractice contrary to the state Procurement Law.
In the contract agreement dated 2nd June, 2021 and signed by the Ministry and the contractor, the contractor was expected to deliver the transformers within three (3) weeks from the date the agreement was signed.
The statement however, hinted that despite the action allegedly taken by the Kwara State Government, neither the 35 transformers nor the money has been delivered to the government by the contractor.
Uploaded by – ADULEYE OYINKANSOLA
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