Kwara State, Nigeria – The Kwara State chapter of the Youth Advisory Council, a youth group affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed its concerns over the handling of various projects by the state government.
In a statement issued by the State Chairman of the Youth Advisory Council, Otukoko Olayinka Ibrahim, the group questioned the transparency and effectiveness of project implementation in the state.
The statement began by addressing the recent reports of possible investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of certain ministries in Kwara.
The group suggested that these investigations might be linked to the ongoing revocation and re-award of contracts for several projects in the state.
While acknowledging that contract terminations are not uncommon in project implementation, the group raised questions about the credibility of the processes involved in Kwara.
They pointed out that some significant projects, often referred to as “elephant” projects due to their substantial financial commitments, have not been completed and commissioned after four and a half years.
The Youth Advisory Council expressed disappointment that these projects have undergone unclear processes of revocation and re-award without sufficient public knowledge or transparency.
They cited the recent revocation and re-award of the ICT Innovation Hub project as an example, which raised concerns about adherence to procurement processes recommended by the Procurement Acts.
The group also mentioned rumors surrounding the Flyover Bridge at Pipeline Road junction in Ilorin, which was allegedly revoked and re-awarded in a “swap” arrangement with the Yebumot – Oloje road project.
The lack of clear information from the government regarding these alleged project swaps has led to questions about the integrity of project implementation processes in Kwara under Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The Youth Advisory Council emphasized the importance of strict adherence to procurement processes to filter out contractors with signs of incompetence or questionable integrity.
They noted that pre-qualification processes are meant to select the most qualified companies that meet all pre-qualification conditions.
In conclusion, the group raised concerns about transparency in project execution in Kwara and highlighted the need for the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to be passed into law in the state.
They suggested that professionalism within the Works Ministry might be compromised by political influences, resulting in the current situation regarding project handling in Kwara.
In conclusion, the group called for greater transparency and adherence to procurement processes to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and in the best interests of the people of Kwara.
