The Edo State Assets Verification Committee has said that its findings showed that former Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s administration left behind the sum of N200billion in contractual debts in the state.
Dr. Ernest Afolabi-Umakhihe, the chairman of the committee, revealed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Benin.
Afolabi-Umakhihe highlighted numerous irregularities in project execution and financial dealings under the former administration, alleging that mobilisation funds paid to contractors were sometimes funneled back to government officials.
Despite the findings, Afolabi-Umakhihe urged the current administration of Governor Monday Okpehbholo to use the ongoing dry season to resume road projects, many of which were rushed through in the months leading up to the September 2024 elections.
According to him, “The state cannot deny Edo people the opportunity for good road networks, especially during this dry season. The government must act swiftly to sustain some of these ongoing road projects.”
He stressed the need for continuity in infrastructure development, acknowledging the heavy financial burden the new administration faces due to outstanding commitments in road infrastructure.
Afolabi-Umakhihe stated, “Most of the ongoing projects were awarded in 2024, leaving the new government with a financial burden of around N200 billion in unpaid commitments.
“Contractors have reported that mobilization payments in some cases were returned to government officials, which has slowed the pace of work.”
The committee also noted lapses in the supervision of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
He further revealed that several projects had inadequate documentation and failed to comply with Edo State’s public procurement laws.
“There were violations of procurement laws, resulting in dubious variations in contract sums. In some cases, these variations surpassed the initial contract values,” he explained.
Afolabi-Umakhihe also expressed concerns about the controversial Radisson Hotel project, which he claimed was mismanaged during Obaseki’s tenure.
“The project was initiated with N17.5billion sourced from the stock market, including an initial N2billion payment for land acquisition.
“However, just before the administration’s exit, Edo State’s ownership stake was reduced to 20%. This must be rectified; the state must reclaim its rightful position as the primary investor,” he noted.
The committee also exposed irregularities in other significant sectors.
The Edo State Oil Palm Project Office was criticized for operating as a non-transparent entity under the direct supervision of the former governor, with consultants hired at inflated costs.
Similarly, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), situated on government land, has left Edo State without any equity stake despite contributing N3.8 billion in state funds.
In addition, technology projects were outsourced to private consultants with questionable financial claims, including a N5 billion commitment for a three-year cyber security software license for the EdoGov platform.
“Of this amount, N1.7billion has already been paid by the previous administration,” Afolabi-Umakhihe stated.
The chairman hinted at further revelations, indicating that the committee would investigate additional critical sectors when it reconvenes in January 2025.
He said, “These are just some of the findings we have uncovered. The committee’s work is far from over. By January 6, 2025, we will focus on other critical sectors of the state.
“It is important to keep the public informed about our progress over the past three weeks.”