New information has been revealed regarding James Okwete, a contractor for the Federal Government. It has come to light that he returned the amount of N30.6M to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, as he had mistakenly received double payment for a contract that had been completed while Sadiya Umar-Farouq was the Minister.
According to the disclosed documents, the payment was made as a component of a N35 million agreement for the creation and enhancement of N-Knowledge Training Manuals meant for N-Hardware Beneficiaries in North-Central (Lot B17).
Mr Okwete’s company, Adatech Integrated Services Limited, was selected for the contract on December 29, 2020, and the announcement was made on January 4, 2021. This contract falls under the N-Power programme, which is part of the National Social Investment Programme in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The contract was approved by the Director of Procurement, Mr. Shittu F.O, on behalf of Umar-Farouq.
As part of the procurement process, certain materials were obtained. These materials included a content development manual for creating a training manual specifically for the N-Tech Hardware track, which had a value of N5,950,000. Additionally, a training manual for the N-Knowledge (hardware track) was printed, with a total cost of N26,608,139.54.
The complete amount is N35,000,000.00, comprising of N32,558,139.54 plus Value Added Tax at a rate of 7.5%, which amounts to N2,441,860.47.
In a letter sent on April 27, 2021, the National Social Investment Programme informed the Managing Director of Adatech Integrated Services Limited about an error of overpayment of N30,607,651.16 relating to the Design and Development of N-Knowledge Training Manuals for N-Hardware Beneficiaries in the North-Central region (Lot B17).
In accordance with the Minister’s wishes, the Director of Finance and Accounts (NSIP), Adaramoye Joseph, affixed his signature to the letter.
The document read, “The Managing Director, Adatech Integrated Services Ltd. Suite B, Block C. Commerce Plaza Bhd Old secretariat Area 1. Abuja
“Reference the above subject, please. It was discovered that your company was wrongly paid twice in respect of the above contract to the tune of Thirty million, six hundred and four thousand, six hundred and fifty one Naira, sixteen kobo (N30,604,651.16) only. The amount was double paid into your Bank details below Bank: First Bank of Nigeria plc.
Account No: 2021481488
“You should please refund the sum of N30,604,651.16 to Account Name: National Social Investment Programme Remitta- RRR GIFMIS CODE-0544003001, NARRATION- Refund of Payment.”
