The Nation Newspaper

Tag: contracts

  • Three-year Glo league contracts now mandatory

    Three-year Glo league contracts now mandatory

    • Clubs get March deadline for upgrades

    The League Management Company (LMC) has issued the directive that clubs playing in the Globacom Premier League will no longer be allowed to sign short-term contracts with their players.

    The consultative meeting between the LMC and the clubs came up with the agreement that short-term contracts for players have been abolished and no player shall be offered a contract of less than three years tenure, except those who have played for 10 seasons or above in the League.

    And such players who have been offered three years contract can only contemplate a transfer out of the club after serving a minimum of one year.

    Also, the LMC shall apply relevant sanctions on any club that approaches a player without first notifying the owner or current club of such player.

    The consultative meeting between the LMC and club owners has led to an an agreed March 31st deadline for all clubs to register and finalise their registrations as Limited Liability Companies.

    “Clubs are expected to complete the process of updating and certifying their incorporation as limited liability companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by March 31, 2014,” a part of the release said.

    The teams were given the specific reference to provide particulars of Board of Directors, office address and filing of annual report.

    “The LMC shall communicate the decisions on incorporation & provision of bank guarantee to the respective state governments that own clubs. That all clubs shall provide an undertaken of allegiance to abide by all FIFA, CAF, NFF and LMC rules and regulations.

    “That clubs administration must be structured to meet the mandatory Management Staff requirement with proof of such appointments,” the statement further read.

    This means that henceforth, all clubs in the Globacom Premier League are mandated to have proper company structure, with proper financial discipline.

  • Court dismisses Ogbulafor’s submission on ‘fictitious’ contracts

    An Abuja High Court yesterday thwarted an attempt by former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, to stop his ongoing trial by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The court dismissed the politician’s “No Case” submission which he filed against his arraignment for alleged fictitious contracts.

    A “No Case” submission is filed by an accused to prove that the prosecution has not established a prima facie case against him, or that there is a lack sufficient legal ground against him at the close of prosecution.

    If the submission succeeds in the court, the trial will be terminated and the accused would be freed.

    The PDP former chairman alongside Emeka Ebilah and Jude Nwokorie are standing trial on a 17-count charge of conspiracy and award of fictitious N107 million contracts.

    Their offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.

    In his ruling on the politician’s submission, the trial judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, held that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses showed that there is a prima facie case against the accused.

    He averred that the “No Case” submission cannot stand.

    According to him, to grant a “No Case” submission, the court must ensure that none of the evidence given had connected the accused with the alleged crime.

    Justice Bello said: “The court is not concerned with the credibility of the witness but with whether the evidence given linked the accused with the crime that is alleged to have been committed. The issue of whether the court believes in the evidence given by the witness does not arise at this point.

    “The court is under due obligation to discharge the accused, if the prosecution fails to establish a prima facie case against him. But in this instant case, the prosecution has, through its witnesses, established a prima facie case against the accused, hence the need for the accused to enter his defence.

    “It is in my view, based on the totality of evidence brought by the prosecution, that a prima facie case has been established against the accused. The ‘No Case’ submission hereby fails.”

    J. K. Gadzama (SAN), the counsel to Ogbulafor, had maintained that the prosecution did not in any way link his client with the alleged crime.

    Opposing the “No Case” application, prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), averrd that the court, in the spirit of justice, allowed the accused to present his defence so that the court could consider the weight of the two sides.

  • Zamfara awards N7b road contracts

    The Zamfara State government has awarded road contracts valued at over N7 billion as part of efforts to open up the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, told newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council meeting in Gusau that the projects would be completed within 18 months.

    He said the contract included the 31.5 km Gusau-Kasuwar Daji road, and the Gusau-Zurmi-Katsina road which were awarded for N2.5 billion.

    According to him, the government has also awarded contract for the construction of the 38.3 km Tashar Abu-Kekun Waje-Bingi road at the cost of N1.5 billion.

    Other contracts, he said, included the N200 million Gusau GRA link road, and the road linking Gen. Sani Abacha Way to the State Primary Education Board, which would cost N900 million.

    Magaji said work on the Gusau Prisons-Jauri village road awarded at the cost of N301 million would be completed within a year.

    He further said that the the government had approved N1.06 billion as compensation to persons affected by the Gusau township roads project.

    The commissioner said the amount was also for those affected under the phase I and II of the Talata Mafara township roads, which were completed last year.

    Magaji said the projects were in line with the administration’s desire to enhance economic activities in the state.

     

  • PenCom okays 317 firms for govt’s contracts

    The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has okayed 317 private sector organisations. By this certification, the companies can bid for contracts with Federal Government Ministries, Depart-ments and Agencies (MDAs).

    This is by virtue of the certificate of compliance issued to these organisations by PenCom after having provided evidence of complying with provisions of the Pension Reform Act (2004).

    Compliance with the Pension Act, at minimum, include ensuring that all employees open Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with Pension Fund Administrators of their choice; remitting both employer and employee pension contributions to the appropriate Pension Fund Custodian not later than seven days from the date of payment of salaries and transferring pension funds and assets prior to the commencement of the Pension Act to licensed pension operators.

    The Compliance Certificate replaces the erstwhile Letters of Compliance that were issued to organisations bidding or soliciting for contracts with Federal Government MDAs.

    PenCom had earlier brought it to the attention of all organisations and the public that any supplier, contractor or consultant bidding or soliciting contract or business from any MDA must fulfil all its obligations on pensions.

    PenCom has been updating the list of organisations that have been issued compliance certificates.

    The names of the affected companies are pasted on the commission’s website with PenCom noting that it has to be publicised to serve as a guide to Federal Government MDAs and for information of the public.

     

  • Obi awards N7.7b contracts

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the State Executive Council have approved the construction of four more roads at the cost of N7.271 billion.

    The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Joe-Martins Uzodike, announced this yesterday during a briefing in Awka.

    He said the roads are: Umuoji- Micro Finance Bank-Ekeagu-Abatete road awarded at the cost of N830 million with completion period of nine months.

    The second is Nwafor Orizu College of Education Gate Road to Nsugbe Express at a cost of N 1.535 billion and completion period of 10 months.

    Uzodike said the council also approved the construction of the 11.2- Kilometre Atani-Ozubulu road awarded at a cost of N5.418 billion with a completion period of 18 months.

    The fourth is the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Road, Awada, Onitsha at a cost of over N490.536 million and completion period of six months.

    He appealed to citizens and residents to register in the on-going State Identity Card Programme.

     

  • Reps probe Destination Inspectors’ N275b contracts

    • Importers, agents flay 100% cargo inspection

    The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Customs and Excise to probe the extension of the N275billion contracts awarded to Destination Inspectors (DI) at the ports.

    Under the deal, the DIs, sources said, would get N21 billion, irrespective of the quality of work done.

    The House, sources said, is not happy that the country’s revenue potential is not being realised because the DIs are not paying the correct taxes.

    Over $1 billion, it was alleged, has been lost.

    The probe, source said, was, initiated to prevent the continued loss of revenue.

    Those affected are: Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, SGS Scanning Nigeria Limited, Global Scan Systems Limited and Webb Fountain (Nigeria) Limited.

    Sources said some Representatives are not happy that the Federal Government extended theDIs’ contracts for six months without following due process.

    The contracts were for the provision of facilities for the prosecution of Destination Inspection Scheme (DIS), including scanning services, risk management techniques and electronic platform at the borders, and the training of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) personnel.

    The companies were also expected to build, equip, train and transfer their technology and expertise to the Customs and hand over to the Service fully last year.

    Sources said the committee was given two weeks to report to the House.

    Speaking in Lagos last week, the Controller of the Apapa Area One Command of the Nigeria Customs, Umar Muhammed, said officers were already working with the DIs on the scanning site and in their offices with the hope of taking over from them this month.

    Had the contracts not been extended by the Federal Government, he said Customs would have performed well in destination inspection because many officers had gone through training. Each, he said, had been given the posts that they would handle this year.

    The 100 per cent physical examination of car-goes by Customs has again been faulted for its inadequacies.

    Importers and clearing agents are demanding a review of the policy, because it impedes prompt cargo clearance and causes delay at port.

    Terminal operators, importers said, use it as an excuse for the delay in positioning their containers for examination.

    Managing Director, Kenny Doo Investment, Alhaji Kehinde Al-Moruf Oloyede, urged importers to ensure that their declaration is correct. He advised the Customs to review the policy to ease cargo clearance.

    Stakeholders said the 48-hour cargo clearance target time aimed at bringing the ports in line with what obtains in other ports in West African countries.

    Oloyede urged the Customs to acquire hi-tech equipment that are capable of examining cargoes to fast-track the delivery of consignments to consignees.

    He also urged the Service to improve on its information-tracking system where containerised cargoes can be known without subjecting them to 100 per cent physical examination.

     

  • Chinese firm, others win N130b Ogun road contracts

    Chinese firm, others win N130b Ogun road contracts

    Massive road construction jobs are coming in Ogun State, with the signing yesterday of N130 billion contracts.

    Five of the companies for the jobs are: China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), Aidar Walsh, PW Construction Ltd, Hi Tech and Borim Prono & Co. (Nig.) Ltd.

    The contracts are for the building/repair of 14 roads across the three senatorial districts. They are: Ile-Awela Road in Ota; Moshood Abiola Way in Abeokuta; Benin-Sagamu Expressway/Isale Oko Junction in Sagamu and Lafenwa/Aiyetoro/Ajebo Road in Abeokuta.

    Others are Ilara/Ijoun/Egua/Oja-Odan/Ilase Road in Ipokia Local Government Area; Ilishan/Ago-Iwoye Road; Ejinrin/Obalufon/Ibadan Road in Ijebu Ode and Ojere/Adatan/Asero Road in Abeokuta.

    Commissioner for Works Lekan Adegbite spoke with reporters yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He said most of the contractors were already carrying out preliminary works on the sites.

    Adegbite said the press briefing was to herald the signing of the agreement with four companies that will handle the construction of eight of the roads, estimated at N90.3 billion.

    The companies are expected to deliver the job between 18 and 24 month.

    The Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde, described the contract as “symbolic” and another demonstration of the Governor Ibikunke Amosun’s commitment to the people’s welfare.

    Ogunde said the contracts would be closely monitored to ensure best practices and adherence to the “Ogun standard” by the contractors.

    Also yesterday, the government urged relations of dead persons, whose graves would be affected by the ongoing expansion of roads in Abeokuta, to relocate the remains of their loved ones.

    Director-General of the Bureau of Lands Mrs. Ronke Sokefun said: “A number of graves fall within the right of way of the Ojere-Onikolobo-Panseke-Ibara-Isale Igbein-Sapon-Ake-Adatan road.

    “The government, therefore, calls on the relations of the departed to make immediate arrangements for the relocation of such graves in accordance with their religious beliefs.”

     

  • Fed Govt okays N176b road contracts

    Fed Govt okays N176b road contracts

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N176.13 billion for road projects.

    The approval was granted at the weekly meeting presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

    The dualisation of the Lokoja-Okene-Auchi-Benin road will cost N45.8 billion. The Gashua-Bayamari Road across Borno and Yobe states will cost N6.58 billion.

    The augmentation of the contract for the dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road, awarded since 2006, was approved, thus raising the figure from N172 billion to N285 billion.

    Other roads and bridges include Suleja-Abuja (N1.1billion); Mararaban-Yorro road, Taraba State (N1.18 billion); Falali bridge in Sumaila council area of Kano State (N1.16 billion) and a flyover at Kundila roundabout in Kano will cost N2.5 billion.

    The Utor Bridge, with approaches along Asaba-Ebun-Ahia-Uromi in Delta and Edo states, has been re-awarded after 42 per cent completion at N4.4billion, from its original N2.9billion.

    Also, augmentation was made in respect of the rehabilitation of the 23km Calabar-Ugep-Ogoja-Katsina Ala road, raising the final contract from N5.2billion to N9.13 billion.

    Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who briefed State House reporters at the end of the meeting, said a minute silence was observed in honour of the President’s brother.

    Another major approval is the purchase of a long-range Cessna air ambulance for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to evacuate disaster victims to any part of Nigeria or abroad.

    The two-patient aircraft will cost $23.17 million and N909 million.

    Additional excavators, payloader/tractor head and for the agency are to be bought for N554million and N52 million.

    Also approved is N184.78 million for NEMA’s CISCO VIOP infrastructure.

    The supply and installation of digital Motorola two-way Radios, Repeaters and base stations at NEMA’s headquarters and its zonal offices will cost N271,694 million.

    FEC also approved the contract for the terminal building, control tower and power house for the proposed Yenagoa airport at N13billion.

    The government argued that the control tower at completion would complement the plan by the Airforce to set up a military facility for strategic security reasons.

    Another approval granted was the constitution of a National Council on Niger Delta Affairs to serve as advisory body and coordinate policies for all agencies under the Niger Delta ministry and avert duplication of functions or improper implementation of policies.

  • Oyo awards N29.3b road contracts

    Oyo awards N29.3b road contracts

    The Oyo State Government yesterday awarded N29.3 billion contracts for the dualisation of five major roads.

    Commissioner for Information Bosun Oladele; his Works and Transport counterpart, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde; the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, and his Information and Orientation counterpart, Mr. Gbolagade Busari, announced this in Ibadan, the state capital, while speaking with reporters after the weekly State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

    The dualisation of the 4km Ibadan-Oyo Expressway/Iseyin-Oyo Junction to Owode; the expansion of the 2.5km Owode-Akesan-Palace Road and the sectional repair of a 3.8km portion of the Old Ibadan-Oyo Road will cost N7,785,840,123.47.

    The dualisation of the 6.32km Ilorin Expressway Junction-Ikoyi-Takie-Palace-Ogbomoso Grammar School will cost N5,695,147,363.60.

    The contract for the dualisation of the 6.2km Ibadan-Oyo-Iseyin Junction-Iseyin/Okeho Junction Road, Iseyin will cost f N6,092,448,322.40.

    The dualisation of the 7.4km Dugbe-Magazine-Eleiyele-Aleshinloye-Onireke/Agbarigo Road in Ibadan was awarded at N7,066,762,166.86.

    The construction of the dilapidated Ijokodo-Apete Road and its two bridges, including the Apete Bridge, whose contract was revoked earlier, were awarded at N2,649,420,593.

    Oladele said the projects would be completed within 18 months.

    He said they are a fulfilment of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration’s promise that all roads leading to major towns and cities would be dualised.

    Akintunde said the contract sums include compensation to those whose property would be affected; relocation of facilities, such as water pipes, electricity poles and telecommunications facilities and consultancy cost.

  • N350b saved from contracts, procurement, says BPP boss

    N350b saved from contracts, procurement, says BPP boss

    The Bureau of Public Procurement(BPP) yesterday disclosed that about N350 billion has been saved from contracts and other procurement projects.

    This amount was saved through what the Bureau called, its “rigorous initiatives of standardising the contract and procurement processes in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”

    The Director-General, Emeka Ezeh, who stated this at the end of the fourth Conversion Training Programme for procurement officers in the MDAs, in Abuja , said the N350 billion was saved from 2007.

    Ezeh said his agency would not relent in its efforts at standardising Nigeria’s public sector procurement system, as it would help plug loopholes that promote corruption in the system.

    He described the savings as the “result of painstaking efforts by the agency to change the way things are being done in the procurement system, and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the enabling Public Procurement Act 2007.”

    He said the training, is aimed at building the capacity of personnel charged with the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of the Act.

    He said BPP is determined to ensure that government gets value-for-money and that there is transparency and competition in the public contracting process.

    “We have been assured over time that we can hardly make progress without due process being our watchword in the way we spend government money,” he stated. This is one major way in which the much needed growth in infrastructure and utilities can be guaranteed”, he added.