The FCT judicial committee audit has raised concerns over contract awards worth ₦866.5 million after auditors identified alleged procurement breaches and financial irregularities linked to the committee’s spending in 2023. The findings have drawn attention to the importance of transparent procurement procedures, proper financial documentation and accountability in the management of public funds.
According to a report, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation identified several transactions that required further explanation. The audit questioned aspects of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judicial Service Committee’s procurement process and highlighted gaps in the records provided to auditors.
However, the findings represent audit concerns and do not, by themselves, establish that public funds were stolen or that any individual committed a crime.
FCT Judicial Committee Audit Identifies Procurement Concerns
The audit identified five contract awards with a combined value of ₦866.5 million, highlighting concerns about the selection of contractors, supporting documents and compliance with established procurement requirements.
One of the transactions involved a vehicle purchase worth ₦302.3 million, which attracted scrutiny over the contractors’ status as accredited local manufacturers or assemblers. The issue raised questions about whether the procurement met the relevant requirements.
In another case, contracts worth ₦192.1 million reportedly lacked sufficient documentation to establish the contractors’ qualifications. Such records help public institutions demonstrate that suppliers meet the conditions required to execute government projects.
Furthermore, auditors questioned renovation and rehabilitation contracts valued at ₦174.2 million because the committee reportedly failed to provide essential procurement documents. These included advertisements, bidding records and detailed evaluation reports, which normally help demonstrate how contractors were assessed and selected.
The audit also raised concerns about contracts worth ₦144.2 million awarded to companies reportedly listed as inactive on relevant government databases. This finding highlighted the need for agencies to verify contractors’ records before approving public projects.
Additionally, the report questioned the splitting of contracts involving approximately ₦57.3 million, including a computer and laptop supply transaction. Contract splitting can raise compliance concerns when an institution divides a procurement into smaller awards in a way that avoids applicable approval or procurement requirements.
According to the audit, weaknesses in these areas could increase the risk of financial mismanagement and reduce transparency in public spending. Nevertheless, the identified contract values should not be interpreted as confirmed losses or stolen funds.
Auditor-General Seeks Explanations and Financial Records
Beyond the procurement concerns, the FCT judicial committee audit highlighted weaknesses in the committee’s internal financial controls and its handling of audit queries.
The report also raised questions about salary payments, identifying 93 salary vouchers worth ₦112.6 million for which the required supporting documents were reportedly unavailable. Without those records, auditors could not adequately verify the payments based on the documentation provided.
Consequently, the missing vouchers raised concerns about the committee’s ability to demonstrate that the payments were properly authorised and supported by the necessary records. However, the absence of documentation does not automatically establish that the salaries were paid to fictitious employees.
The Auditor-General recommended measures to address the issues identified in the report. These included requiring the committee’s secretary to account for the relevant funds and recover applicable sums for remittance to the treasury.
The report also recommended that evidence of compliance be submitted to the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees for further consideration.
Findings Put Public Procurement Under Scrutiny
The findings cover the committee’s financial activities between January and December 2023, according to the published report. They highlight the role of audit reviews in identifying weaknesses that may require explanations, corrective measures or further investigation.
For government institutions, maintaining complete procurement records is essential because it allows auditors to assess whether contracts followed the required procedures and whether public expenditure can be properly justified.
Similarly, verifying contractors’ eligibility and documenting procurement decisions can help reduce financial risks while strengthening public confidence in government spending.
The committee’s response remains important to understanding the circumstances surrounding the flagged transactions. Any further review by the relevant authorities could also clarify the issues and determine whether corrective action is necessary.
For now, the reported findings should be treated as audit observations rather than proof of criminal wrongdoing. The focus remains on establishing accountability, addressing documentation gaps and ensuring that public funds are managed according to the applicable financial regulations.
