The obscene looting of Nigeria’s wealth, NIMASA style!

How much does a new 200KVA generator cost?

Either basic or soundproof, the cost is less than N20million.

But an agency of government in 2009 bought one for N129million, more than 600 per cent higher. To underscore the unbridled corruption, the man at the helms awarded himself the grossly inflated contract, when it was possible for the agency to pick the machine on the shelf!

In Nigeria, everything must be done through contractocracy, including buying toothpicks.

This theft is a microcosm of the obscene corruption and looting by those elected or appointed to run Nigeria’s affairs.

It was one of the highlights of the trial of Raymond Omatseye, the former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The grand theft came out as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday tendered more evidence against the former DG.

Omatseye is standing trial before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court, Lagos, on an amended 27-count charge of diversion of public funds and contract-splitting.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the first prosecution witness, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, told the court that the accused awarded N129. 2 million contract to his company in 2009 for the purchase of a 200KVA power generating set for NIMASA.

The witness also testified that although the accused called for tenders in the Punch and Vanguard Newspapers, none of the companies which bided for the contract was considered.

Ibrahim was led in evidence by the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Godwin Obla. He began his evidence on 6 February.

“About seven companies applied for the contract to supply the generator to NIMASA but none of the companies was awarded same. One of the companies, Daniel Holding Company of Nigeria, quoted N100 million to supply the equipment but was not considered.

“In the following month, the defendant awarded the contract to Omatseye Nig. Ltd. for the sum of N129, 294, 80 million,” the witness said.

He said that the contract documents were signed by the General Manager of Omatseye Nig. Ltd., Mr Ali Shehu.

Ibrahim tendered the newspaper publications before the court and the publications were admitted as Exhibit 18B.

Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned the case to April 11 for continuation of trial.

the accused was first arraigned in February, 2011 on an 11-count charge of illegal transfer of 300,000 pounds from NIMASA’s account with the Barclays Bank, London, to fund the campaign of one Mrs Mbanefo, who was aspiring to be the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation.

The prosecution later withdrew the charge and replaced it with another dated June 12, 2012 and filed on June 13, 2012.

Omatseye was consequently, re-arraigned on Jan. 21, 2013, on the amended 27-count charge.