News
How Acting DG Of NCAA, Chris Najomo Purchases N250 Million SUV Three Months After Appointment
A few months after appointment as acting director-general of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo is enmeshed in alleged financial recklessness, violations of government procurement regulations, and gross abuse of office.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the top aviation regulator had proposed to spend N3,000,000,000 on purchase of vehicles; N4,317,070,233 on “international transport”; N3,310,009,756 on “local transport and travels for training” and; N8,342,547,767 on “travels and transport”.
But soon after his appointment as acting DG on December 13, 2023, Mr Najomo went on spending spree, purchasing a 2022 Toyota Landcruiser (70th Anniversary Edition) worth over N250m, which was not even captured in the budget.
An insider told this newspaper that there is no appropriation approval by the National Assembly in NCAA budget for the purchase of this particular vehicle.
DAILY NIGERIAN investigations also revealed that the SUV was procured without the statutory approvals of the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
“The NCAA took delivery of the vehicle towards the end of February this year. The vehicle has full option specifications. The DG has been using it with the DG’s official custom number plate “01”.
“The DG’s extra-budgetary expenditure is a gross violation of government procurement and financial regulations, which stipulates 5-year jail term without option of fine.
“A government policy provides that no motor vehicle, no matter how inconsequential the price, shall be purchased by MDAs without the approval of the Federal Executive Council,” the source added.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the acting director general also approved foreign trainings for 109 staff at a cost of over N1 billion within the week he assumed duty as acting DG.
It was gathered that staff are yet to embark on the trip months after the payment.
“This mismanagement is in addition to several actions by the acting DG that has raised eyebrows within the industry, which include non-compliance with government directives to open new TSA accounts for deduction of 50% income and attempt to circumvent the directives by attempting to convert $13 million to naira without equivalent naira expenses,” said the source.
The source noted that the infractions have led to the freezing of the authority’s TSA account domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
This red a red flag that led to a subsequent freezing of the authority’s TSA accounts with CBN. Also, the acting DG approved foreign training for over 100 staff at a cost of over N1 billion within the week he assumed office as the DG. It is observed that the staff are from the Directorate of Air Transport Regulation, the erstwhile Directorate he was heading. The foreign training is yet to commence several months after approval.
“In estacode alone, the DG approved the payment of 129,000 dollars, while over N350m approved for air tickets. Don’t even talk about the cost of the training and other expenses,” the source added.
But when contacted to respond to the allegations, Vivien Okeyia of the Public Affairs Department of the NCAA denied the allegations, saying the figures quoted for the purchase of the DG’s vehicle were inconcorrect.
First, there is the need to purchase the vehicles because the acting DG and other directors don’t have official vehicles. The former director general left with vehicles,” she said.
Although insiders had confirmed that the acting DG had been using the vehicle for over one month, Ms Okeyia said the vehicle had not been purchased yet.
She added that it is one of the several other vehicles to be purchased for the top management officials of the NCAA.
“On the issue of N1 billion for staff training, I can tell you authoritatively that there is still some training even from the 2023 budget that are yet to be done, which I can attest to. I think they should have carried out a proper investigation before bringing this up,” Ms Okeyia said.
She also denied claims of non-compliance with the Treasury Single Account, TSA, and non-remittance of statutory deductions to the CBN.
“I don’t even know where that is coming from. But it is not true. Just recently, the aviation union workers threatened to downtool over the 50 % remittance of aviation IGR to the government. So that already cancels the argument and tells you that the DG is not withholding anything,” she said.
The NCAA spokesperson, however, didn’t comment on the alleged freezing of the agency’s account by the CBN over attempts to convert $13 million into naira.
In his reaction to allegations of retaining the official vehicle of the director-general, the suspended DG, Capt. Musa Nuhu, said he is still the substantive director-general of the NCAA.
“Let me correct you that I was not sacked as DG of NCAA. I was only suspended to pave the way for investigation. By law, I’m still the director-general. The official vehicles have been in my use for some years, and I am entitled to offer of first refusal at the vehicle’s salvage value at the end of my tenure,” he said.
A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, aged 85, is among the first set of doctoral degree students produced by the Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, disclosed this at the weekend, while briefing the press on activities to mark the 16th convocation ceremony of the university.
He said the first set of PhD holders to be produced by the institution totalled 67.
“I am happy to inform you that the university will, at this 16th convocation ceremony, graduate its first set of doctoral degree holders.
“They are 67 in number and the list included a retired Army Colonel, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who is 85 years old. And he is getting his PhD in Educational Technology.
“I salute his courage and doggedness to pursue this dream of his. Even younger ones shy away from this kind of task.
27 First Class
“Also, out of the 4,140 graduating students, 27 have first class. We are also graduating 4 M.Phil, 275 Master’s degree and our best graduating student is Adedeji A. Adedamola with CGPA of 4.91.
“We are also giving honorary degrees to four distinguished Nigerians namely: Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi,” he stated.
Prof. Banjo, who is winding down his tenure as the VC of the first university of education in Nigeria, added that some projects would be inaugurated by the Visitor, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“We are happy to say that within the last one year, we have done some projects to add to what we have on ground. We have expanded the Medical Centre and the fund used was from our internally generated revenue.
“We are also weaning ourselves of epileptic power supply as we have our own Independent Power Project. It is 800 kva which can be scaled up.
“Even as it is, it is enough for our needs. It is less expensive than what we pay monthly as electricity bills to the power firm serving this area,” he said.
The VC also disclosed that the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, would deliver the convocation lecture titled, “From classroom to cloud: Leveraging digital literacy for national development.”
Vanguard News
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his administration’s Second Anniversary with a Novelty Match between the Osun State House of Assembly Members and the Cabinet members otherwise known as the Executives at the Ataoja School of Science on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
This match was Day (2) of the activities lined up for the second anniversary celebrations.
The match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Executive was full of excitements and funs.
Adeleke who presented the Cup to the winner attributed the success of his administration to the dedication, commitment and loyalty of members of his cabinet, the lawmakers, the Judiciary, the Civil Servants and all the residents of the State who showed their love for his administration.
He took a swipe at the opposition on the confusion in their camp, as they are asking among themselves on how Adeleke has been able to manage the affairs of his administration with massive infrastructural developments and good governance in two years, what they could not do in four years.
He said he was able to achieve in two years what others could not achieve in four years due to the fact that God is with him, “whoever traded with God will never suffer any loss, that is the secret of our success.”
“We have been able to reach this milestone without borrowing because we made the people the centre of our focus. When there is no way, there is always a way through God. We will not relent, from November 26, 2024 we will start commissioning our projects across the state.”
He added that on assumption of office Osogbo was dark but when I came in there was light everywhere.
“The only thing we can do to Osun electorates and the residents is to give them the dividend of democracy and that is what we are doing now.”
The program continues on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with Thanksgiving Service at the C&S, Oke-Gada, Ede from 10.00am prompt.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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