…probe IPCR for unverified payments, dubious trainings
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Galaxy Backbone, the federal government’s IT service provider, to provide explanations regarding allegations of financial irregularities and contract violations amounting to billions of Naira.
The Committee chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam at an investigative hearing on on Wednesday in Abuja, scrutinised multiple audit queries raised in the Auditor-General’s 2021 report.
The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, was represented by Sani Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Service, alongside other top officials.
Among the key infractions identified was the non-remittance of ₦329,845,000 in taxes, which was supposed to be paid within 21 days. The committee ruled that sanctions would apply for the violation.
Another issue flagged was a payment of ₦66,799,440 for a contractual obligation without supporting documentation. Galaxy Backbone was directed to submit full transaction details within 72 hours.
Also the lawmakers uncovered payments to a U.S.-based company, ST Engineering, which listed identical street addresses in two different states, raising concerns over contract authenticity. No evidence of contract execution was found, prompting another 72-hour deadline for Galaxy Backbone to submit all relevant procurement documents as required by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Further financial discrepancies included e-payment violations totaling ₦12,661,300, questionable payments amounting to ₦2,433,701.56, and a procurement contract of $164,403. Frustrated by the company’s inability to provide satisfactory explanations, the committee summoned Galaxy Backbone to reappear on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1 p.m.
In another development, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) faced intense questioning over audit queries, particularly a payment of ₦25,801,400 for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) allowances.
The Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, attributed the issues to actions taken under a previous administration, stating that his team assumed office in 2024 while the flagged transactions occurred in the 2021 fiscal year.
However, the committee rejected this defense and demanded detailed documentation, including project locations, transportation cost breakdowns, a list of personnel involved, and receipts for payments made.
The committee also raised concerns over “doubtful trainings” costing ₦21,383,800, which lacked credible justification.
In its resolution, PAC established an adhoc committee led by Rep. Billy Osawaru (Edo State) to investigate further and report back within a week.
Following its findings, the committee indicted the institute for inefficiency, lack of accountability, and failure to ensure value for money in its expenditures.