CSNAC Petitions EFCC over Alleged Financial Recklessness by NAMA’s MD

An anti-corruption coalition, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

In a petition signed by the chairman of the network, Olanrewaju Suraju, the CSNAC noted that it was in the receipt of various documents and evidence which it believe will further aid the commission’s investigation into the books of the agency.

The petition stated that, “Sequel to the arrest of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam and commencement of investigation into activities and alleged cases of corruption and financial recklessness by your commission, our network is in the receipt of and hereby forwarding same, various documents and evidence which we believe will further aid your commission’s investigation into the books of the agency.

“In a petition dated October 3, 2012, addressed to the then National Security Adviser by the Aviation Watch Group and Transparency initiative, several allegations were raised against the then Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, bothering on gross financial recklessness, corruption and misapplication of fund through the awards of non-existent procurements, and looting of operational funds in arbitrary awards of spurious contracts to ineligible companies/persons for non-existent projects, as well as contravention of various provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

“Udoh was alleged to have justified his financial recklessness and procurement violations with spurious claims of satisfying interests from officials of the Aviation Ministry (Minister and permanent Secretary) and support to Office of the National Security Adviser (as NAMA contribution towards the fight Against Boko Haram).”

The petition noted further that, “Other officers mentioned, in the petition, as partakers and accessory in the looting spree include Mr. Sunday O. Olabisi GM (Audit) and Mr. Segun Agbolade, GM (Finance) at the time of the petition. Contrary to Civil Service rule, these two officers were paid for contracts awarded by the agency. Their personal accounts were credited with frivolous and multiple advance travel allowances same day. Attached is the atatement of account relevant to this allegation.

“The national security implication of these corrupt act and breach of public safety is that NAMA has the monopoly responsibilities of managing the Nigerian Airspace. With the reckless looting and mismanagement of the agency’s resources, the security and lives of passengers within the Nigerian airspace are compromised and flights in and out of the country under threat.”

CSNAC noted that alongside the petition, it attached bank account statements, fake invoices and spurious contracts awarded in violation of the public procurement law.