Group urges Gov. Sanwo-Olu to probe N5 billion Mende dredging procurement violation

Naijaonpoint obtained this information from a statement signed by the group’s president, Nurudeen Olawale, and secretary, Korede Animashaun, calling for a thorough forensic audit of the contract.

The statement highlighted that the contract awarded by the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development for channelizing Mende to the lagoon waterfront violates procurement procedures.

Additionally, the statement noted that despite the Lagos State Government’s payment of a N2.5 billion mobilization fund for the project, no substantial progress has been made beyond the delivery of a dredger, which has remained stationary under the bridge for the last six months without any observable dredging work.

Furthermore, the group urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the allegations, emphasizing the importance of protecting the organization’s integrity and credibility in fulfilling its mandate of safeguarding and expanding the nation’s waterways.

They pledged to closely monitor the progress of the Mende channelization project to ensure compliance with proper procedures, and stated their willingness to provide the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with relevant information, including account details of contract recipients, if necessary, to prosecute those involved in any procurement process violations related to the project.

Additionally, the group reiterated that they had conducted water depth measurements using an eco sander before work began and would not hesitate to re-measure and publish their findings publicly if the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development claims thorough work has been done on the site..