A coalition of advocacy groups has formally requested clarity from the Nigeria Police Force over a series of high-value contracts totaling ₦234 billion allegedly awarded under murky circumstances, including a controversial ₦6 billion uniform supply deal.
During a roundtable discussion in Abuja on police reforms and financial accountability, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), led by Executive Director Ezenwa Nwagwu, announced the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The aim: to compel the police hierarchy to explain reported inconsistencies surrounding multiple recent expenditures.
Nwagwu emphasized that the call is not an indictment but a demand for openness on issues that affect national security and public trust.
“Available reports suggest that these contracts, especially the uniform deal, may have bypassed proper channels. We are simply asking for clarity,” Nwagwu stated.
He referenced reports alleging that a ₦6 billion uniform contract approved in January via internal police memo—was fragmented into 66 smaller contracts, each purportedly awarded to the same company, Crown Natures Nigeria Plc. The alleged maneuvering placed each deal just below the procurement ceiling to avoid oversight, despite an existing ₦7.34 billion budget provision for uniforms in 2024.
CSOs also raised concerns over renovation and redevelopment deals involving major police barracks in Garki, Jabi, Falomo, and Bompai, seeking answers on whether proper procedures were followed and whether any conflicts of interest exist.
Nwagwu stressed that these concerns reflect the urgency of ensuring that limited public resources are used judiciously, especially in the security sector where equipment shortages remain a key challenge.
Beyond the FOI request, the coalition confirmed that it had submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging a full probe into the matter.
“True reform requires transparency. We believe accountability will help strengthen—not weaken—the police force,” Nwagwu added.
