N8.2bn scam: Minister, others under probe

Lanre Adewole, Abuja - 08.11.2009

Application of public funds in the on-going U-17 World Cup tagged: ‘Nigeria 2009’ are reportedly receiving the attention of relevant anti-corruption agencies in the country, even though spending is still being done on the project.

The controversial N8.2 billion contract for the upgrading of the Nigeria Television Authorities (NTA) facilities for the coverage of the competition, was said to have compelled the commencement of the probe, following public outcry on perceived underhand dealings in the award of the contract.

The contract was awarded to a United Kingdom-based company, Well Trade Services (WTS), in partnership with Sony Group, by a minister (names withheld), following an approval by the Federal Executive Council on July 15, 2009.

Checks revealed that the probe was multi-dimensional because of different angles to the contracts awarded for the competition, considering that the handling of funds approved for the competition by the Local Organising Committee, has also been a subject of probe.

The committee had been accused of frivolous spending, with about N40 million said to have been expended on biscuits and soft drinks. A source who preferred anonymity, revealed that given the proactive nature of some of the probing agencies, there might not be any need for petitions to be written against the minister and other public officers before investigations were launched into their activities, especially when there were compelling evidences to look into such matters.

The international dimension to the equipment upgrade contract was said to have been responsible for the early start into the investigation, since it was taken that it would take a relatively longer time to get all the facts in the matter.

Sunday Tribune also learnt that the early start was to make sure that facts gathering had gone far before the completion of the competition and the expected audit of the finances that would go into it by all the relevant agencies.

It was further gathered that the probe became compelling after it was discovered that South Africa, which is hosting the senior World Cup in 2010, paid about N2 billion less for brand new equipment.

Those involved are expected to provide answers to some riddles in the project, especially having to pay more for renovation, even when the said upgrade was said to be almost useless for the configuration NTA was having in place now.

Another issue is the late or non-delivery of the equipment contracted to WTS when the competition was almost ended and why the contract was not awarded directly to Sony, which would supply new kits at a lower cost of 20 per cent less than what was agreed with WTS.

With the broadcast right eventually going to AIT, those involved would also be expected to explain why the contract was still awarded, since FIFA made it known early enough that AIT came tops in its assessment. The contract awarded by the Nigerian government was to “Renovate from SD to HD 6 x 12 Camera HD OB van for £25,777,571.24; renovate from SD to HD 6 x 2 Camera HD SNG van for £4,389,798.89; renovate and upgrade 1 x IBC for £1,952,722.26, with the total project costing £32,120,092.39.

The total value in the nation’s currency amounted to N8, 351,224,022, (Eight billion, three hundred and fifty one million, two hundred and twenty-four thousand, twenty-two naira), with the currency exchange put at N260 to one British pound.

Government-owned South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), on September 9, 2008, signed an agreement with Sony for 380 million rand (about N6.3 billion), to supply brand new OB vans to broadcast the 2009 Confederation Cup and 2010 Soccer World Cup in High-Definition (HD).

The specifications of the OB vans supplied for the World Cup were far superior to that of NTA and were as follows: Four new OB vans. Identically- specified, each 30-ton vehicle is equipped with 18 cameras, and wired for 24, including 3 super-slo HD cameras. The interior is divided into four main areas; production, sound, video tape area (VT) ; and vision control.

Another grey area in the Nigerian contract is that though, Sony also biobled for the direct supply to the NTA at a lower cost, the ministry allegedly decided to award the contract to WTS , which would in turn, buy the equipment from Sony.

A source noted that “the prices quoted by them (WTS) were for renovation as stated on the approved budget and quotation. Also, Sony on its own part, quoted directly to NTA for the same project. However, the same Sony Broadcast, which WTS claimed to be partnering, in quoting directly for the same project, refused to provide NTA a quote for renovation, as they believed that there was no value in renovating the present facilities.

Instead, Sony provided a cheaper quote for brand new equipment to NTA.”

http://www.tribune.com.ng/08112009/news/news2.html

Dis crazy country,considering that TV started in Nigeria and yet we are so backwards and anytime we attempt to do something good about it,u will find dis same insane ppl in govt messing things up.
I hail oh nija

Hmmmmm, Im Smelling Rats in Madam Rebrander's Office, Lets wait and see how things Unfold

what kind of retarded statement is that. how could TV have started in Nigeria

luv2talk:

Hmmmmm, Im Smelling Rats in Madam Rebrander's Office, Lets wait and see how things Unfold

Madam Rebrander aint Clean. . . _{i am 100% sure}

Madam Dora claims the contract was awarded before she assumed office, guess we just have to wait and see.

40 million for golden biscuits I guess!

The contract was awarded to a United Kingdom-based company, Well Trade Services (WTS), in partnership with Sony Group, by a minister (names withheld), following an approval by the Federal Executive Council on July 15, 2009.

WHO IS FOOLING WHO? WHEN WE HEAR THINGS LIKE 'NAMES WITHHELD', OF COURSE WE KNOW THAT MADAM RE-BRAND NIGERIA SHOULD KNOW THOSE NAMES VERY WELL.

I AM ALL EARS TO HEAR/SEE THE CONCLUSION OF THIS MATTER

I prescribe death penalty for all these corrupt government officials. This is the only way these high level corruption will cease

ziddy:

what kind of retarded statement is that. how could TV have started in Nigeria

Fortissimo:

what kind of retarded statement is that. how could TV have started in Nigeria

TV Broadcasting in Africa started in Nigeria (Western Nigeria to be precise).

9ja, we 2much

I was watching Switzerland and Italy March yesterday and it pains my heart to see the output/graphics and audio of the NTA , they could not give a good productions despite the facts that they are celebrating 50 years of Televisions in nigeria

God help nigeria and nigerians. i think there should more scape goats other than bode george. it is only then that nigerians in positions of authority will be afraid to steal even a kobo of the masses money.

We should never have hosted this tournament; its a big show of shame.

Nigeria has reached a stage where only a death penalty / sentence can have any meaningful impact on the fight against corruption.

We now hear billions (no more millions) everyday going down the drain and the culprit, if ever found are sentenced to 6 months or 2 yrs in prison. Death sentence for all these people before they loot this country to oblivion.

They will soon die it down, No be Naija we Dey, lol

This must be Etibaba 9jillion promo.
Maybe they bought assorted, rebranded, vitamin A fortified, designer biscults.

sure this will end up being another unresolved case! doff my cap for the looters!!
goes to show that there's plenty of reward for looting in naija especially when names are being with-held unduely. . . .

Mr ziddy if u dont have anything to do on the internet y not just go nd sell ur laptop or desktop nd stop using un guarded statement on NL here.
Am sure u stole dat word from someone in the house cos i was tryin to make some sense off ur statement nd all i see is another illiterate wanting to talk where ppl of his kind re not.
Incase u dont know how to use google,_{nd i doubt if u read any book sef}. Pls ask ur mom what happened some 50yrs ago in Nigeria.
I doubt if u know when Nigeria had independence sef 

where are the folks who shouted down on some of us said that Nigeria did not need to host this event?

Who says second hand/ refurbished products aint better than TEAR RUBBER? Nigeria, abeg carry go!

Make una no spoil Madam rebranding name-o.