- EFCC Urged to Probe NIMASA DG and Contractor Over Uncompleted Projects
- Auditor-General Report Highlights N87bn Fraudulent Contracts Linked to Agency
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds by the Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh.
The petition, obtained by reporters, accuses Dr. Jamoh and an unnamed contractor of misappropriating funds earmarked for constructing the Senate building at the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State. Despite disbursing funds for the project, the building remains uncompleted, raising concerns about financial impropriety.
Adeyanju stated in his letter:
“We petition Dr. Bashir Jamoh and the unknown contractor regarding the mismanagement of funds allocated for the Senate building project at NMU. Although funds were disbursed, the contractor failed to execute the project, and Dr. Jamoh bears responsibility for ensuring accountability. This raises questions about the administration of public funds under his leadership.”
The activist urged the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice.
This case follows a history of alleged financial scandals within NIMASA. In 2021, the agency faced scrutiny over ₦87 billion in allegedly fraudulent contracts, including the incomplete Senate building. A report by the Auditor-General of the Federation highlighted payments for multiple unexecuted projects at NMU, prompting the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide, to recommend EFCC intervention.
Some of the unexecuted projects listed include:
- Construction of a ship-building facility and dockyard: ₦40.2 billion
- Vice Chancellor’s lodge and staff quarters: ₦11.7 million (0% completed)
- Students’ hostels: ₦M (0% completed)
- Jetty and ramp: ₦808 million (5% bush clearing done)
The Auditor-General’s report, dating back to 2015, also flagged NIMASA’s failure to respond to Senate invitations to account for these discrepancies. A query on the matter is expected to be presented for Senate consideration.
This growing scandal has intensified calls for accountability and reforms within NIMASA to ensure public funds are appropriately utilized.
