Wahab Kayode Ayoade, a federal civil servant employed at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, is under investigation for alleged violations of Nigerian procurement and public service laws.
Evidence has surfaced indicating that Ayoade has been leveraging his position to secure significant government contracts through Muazeek Engineering Nig Limited, a company in which he holds a 60% ownership stake.
This direct involvement in federal contracting, while holding a public office, raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and compliance with legal standards.\
Muazeek Engineering Nig Limited, registered in 2021 with a paid share capital of ₦1,000,000, has been actively pursuing federal contracts. On September 13, 2024, the company was awarded two major contracts by the Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences. These contracts, worth a combined total of ₦12,108,374.83, are tied to projects aimed at youth and women empowerment, as well as infrastructure development in Oyo State. This raises significant concerns about possible violations of legal frameworks designed to ensure transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s public sector.
Several key constitutional and legal provisions address the management of public resources, including government contracts. The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) underscores the importance of eliminating corrupt practices and ensuring fairness. Specifically, Section 15(5) mandates the state to combat corruption and abuse of power, while Section 16(1)(b) stresses the importance of preventing the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few. Additionally, the Public Procurement Act of 2007, notably Section 16(1), requires that all public procurement be conducted transparently and competitively, based on value for money. It explicitly prohibits awarding contracts based on personal connections or favoritism.
Moreover, Section 9 of the Code of Conduct for public officers involved in procurement prohibits officials from participating in procurement processes if they have familial or financial ties to any of the bidders or service providers involved.
Despite these provisions, awarding contracts to friends, family, or associates remains a common issue in Nigeria. Ayoade’s direct involvement with a company receiving federal contracts appears to breach these established rules, raising serious questions about the fairness of the contracting process. The Public Procurement Act of 2007 explicitly bars civil servants from participating in federal procurement to ensure transparency and prevent corrupt practices.
Ayoade’s alleged manipulation of his position for personal gain highlights broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s public service sector and raises doubts about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms meant to prevent such ethical breaches.