House of Representatives Investigates Disability Commission for Alleged ₦97m POS Acquisition

The House of Representatives' Committee on Disability has launched an inquiry into the procurement actions of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) amid allegations that the commission disbursed approximately ₦97 million for the purchase of 101 Point-of-Sale (POS) machines.

This investigation commenced on Thursday following testimonies from stakeholders who indicated potential issues related to inflated contract prices, dubious procurement practices, and the execution of projects by the agency.

Bashiru Dawodu, the committee chair from Lagos under the APC, stated that the committee would scrutinize the claims closely and encouraged individuals making these allegations to present documentary proof to substantiate their allegations.

Stakeholder Abdullahi Ibrahim expressed to the legislators that many procurement activities and projects executed by the commission appeared to exhibit excessive cost inflation, causing concern within the disability community.

He highlighted the case of the POS machines regarding the justification for their seemingly exorbitant prices. “How can a disability commission pay about ₦97 million for 101 POS machines with starter packs when the actual cost is far lower?” he inquired.

Ibrahim further alleged that various training programs and other procurement actions undertaken by the commission had also shown inflated contract amounts, exacerbating worries among stakeholders in the community.

“It is disconcerting that the National Disability Commission is evolving into a hub of corruption within our community because of the events happening there,” he stated.

Committee members, however, underscored the necessity for all allegations to be anchored on credible evidence before reaching any conclusions. They implored stakeholders attending the hearing to provide pertinent documents to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.

In response to the allegations, Ayuba Gufwan, the commission's Executive Secretary, informed the committee of actions he had initiated to rectify procurement discrepancies that came to light soon after his appointment.

Gufwan recounted that although he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 6, 2024, he could not immediately assume office due to hospitalization following an accident, only returning to work approximately two weeks later. Upon taking office, he was astonished to find that his predecessor had made significant procurement decisions during the interim when formal handover was expected.

“Upon resuming approximately two weeks afterwards, I was shocked to find that my predecessor, who was supposed to hand over on the 6th, had taken key decisions on behalf of the commission as the prior executive secretary,” he remarked.

Subsequently, the commission's Procurement Tenders Board examined these contracts and deemed them illegal.

“We called a meeting of the PTB and it was agreed that all the procurements authorized by the former executive secretary were illegal, null, and void. Consequently, those contracts were annulled, and a fresh procurement process was launched for 2024,” he detailed.

Gufwan assured the committee that all relevant documents relating to these procurement actions would be formally submitted for review.

Beyond procurement matters, the executive secretary delineated plans implemented to enhance the commission’s functions across Nigeria. He noted that, at the time of his appointment, the commission lacked operational zonal offices, despite legal stipulations for national coverage.

“I did not inherit a single zonal office. As someone with a disability, I recognize the logistics of travel and the challenges it presents,” he expressed.

Gufwan revealed that the commission has since established offices in Plateau, Bauchi, Abia, and Oyo states, representing the North-central, North-east, South-east, and South-west zones respectively, with ongoing efforts to create offices in the remaining regions.

He also mentioned that limited funding hampers the commission's ability to provide accommodation and transport assistance to individuals with disabilities traveling to Abuja for help.

Committee members indicated that additional hearings may be arranged to afford more stakeholders the opportunity to present evidential support as part of the current investigation.