NACAT petitions Presidency, EFCC, ICPC over alleged ₦700m solar contract scam at Energy Commission

Gentlemen of the Press,

We thank you for honouring our invitation at such short notice.

We appear before you today not merely as concerned citizens, but as a united voice of conscience speaking on behalf of millions of Nigerians who have suffered the devastating consequences of corruption.

For too long, corruption has been the cancer eating deep into our national fabric, weakening public institutions, draining national resources, sabotaging development, and eroding the confidence of citizens in governance.

Today, we raise the alarm over grave and well-documented findings pointing to systemic abuse of public office within the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). This press conference is not driven by sentiment, vendetta, or politics. It is driven by facts, documents, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.

Our organisation, the Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking (NACAT), has uncovered overwhelming evidence revealing a disturbing pattern of suspected corruption, contract splitting, embezzlement of public funds, and gross abuse of office involving the illegal and fraudulent award and payment of contracts to five companies owned and controlled by the same individuals, without adherence to due process and in blatant violation of extant laws.

These acts were carried out by Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). The scale, coordination, and brazenness of these transactions raise serious red flags that cannot and must not be ignored in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

OUR FINDINGS

The Public Procurement Act is unambiguous in its provisions.

Under Part VI — Procurement Methods (Goods and Services), Section 24(1) clearly states that all procurements of goods and works by procuring entities shall be conducted through open competitive bidding, except as otherwise provided by law.

The Act further defines open competitive bidding as a transparent process that offers equal opportunity and information to all interested bidders, with the winning bid being the lowest evaluated and responsive bid that meets specifications and standards.

Section 25 mandates that invitations to bid must be publicly advertised in national newspapers, official websites, and procurement journals within stipulated timelines to guarantee transparency, competition, and value for money.

However, our findings reveal a flagrant disregard for these statutory provisions under the leadership of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi at the ECN.

Specific Findings

1. Findings indicate that on 23rd October 2024, the Energy Commission of Nigeria awarded and paid ₦103,415,184.80 to DOAD CONTRACTORS LTD.
   However, findings revealed that DOAD CONTRACTORS LTD (RC No: 7212272) was registered on 6th November 2023, with its address at Bisi Ogunjobi Close, Karu, Abuja (FCT).

Directors: Usman Precious Deborah, Usman Derick Olounwa, and Usman Hanzel Olountobiloba.

2. On the same date, 23rd October 2024, ECN paid ₦57,892,562.77 to BAJAJ MODUPEOLA EMPIRE LTD as a 30% mobilisation fee for solar streetlight projects in Ogun and Ekiti States, with a total contract value of ₦192,975,209.23, which was later fully paid.

BAJAJ MODUPEOLA EMPIRE LTD (RC No: 7216647) was registered on 8th November 2023, located at Bamidele House, Sam Nujoma Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja.

Directors: Same individuals.

3. Also on 23rd October 2024, ECN paid ₦57,865,529.30 to B&H DYNAMIC GLOBAL SERVICES LTD as mobilisation for similar projects in Edo and Delta States, valued at ₦192,885,097.67, later fully paid.
   B&H DYNAMIC GLOBAL SERVICES LTD (RC No: 7210659) was registered on 5th November 2023, at Bisi Ogunjobi Close, Karu, Abuja.

Directors: Same individuals.

4. On 21st October 2024, ECN paid ₦57,967,340.51 to BMU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD for solar streetlights in Kebbi State, valued at ₦193,224,468.37.

BMU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD (RC No: 7203690) was registered on 30th October 2023, at Bisi Ogunjobi Close, Karu, Abuja.

Directors: Same individuals.

5. On the same day, 21st October 2024, ECN paid ₦57,907,514.61 to DEHANZEL NIG LTD for solar projects in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, valued at ₦193,025,048.70.

DEHANZEL NIG LTD (RC No: 7203443) was registered on 30th October 2023, at Bisi Ogunjobi Close, Karu, Abuja.

Directors: Same individuals.

Notably, all five companies were registered within a single week, pointing to a coordinated scheme designed to circumvent procurement thresholds and facilitate contract splitting. Even more alarming is the fact that these companies, with no verifiable track record, were awarded and paid hundreds of millions of naira within ten months of registration.

Preliminary findings further reveal that these contracts were not executed, and the funds were allegedly diverted for personal interests.

Notably, the payments to the companies were made within the space of just two days.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS

These findings point to clear violations of procurement laws, public financial management regulations, and anti-corruption statutes. The pattern observed is not an isolated administrative lapse—it reflects a systematic abuse of office and a betrayal of public trust.

Public funds meant for infrastructure, rural electrification, and community development were allegedly converted into private wealth, undermining national development and institutional integrity.

ON ATTEMPTS AT DISTRACTION AND BLACKMAIL

We are aware of the activities of an unregistered group masquerading as an anti-corruption organisation, operating under the name Nigerian People Against Corruption Coalition. This group has reportedly engaged in blackmail, intimidation, and staged press conferences without facts or documentary evidence over this matter.

We condemn this conduct in its entirety. Such actions trivialise the anti-corruption struggle, pollute public discourse, and attempt to distract from verifiable findings backed by documents and records.

NACAT distances itself from such unethical practices and remains committed to facts, law, and due process.

OUR DEMANDS & CONCLUSION

In light of these damning findings, we formally demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, immediately direct a comprehensive, transparent, and independent probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) into these disturbing discoveries.

Pending the outcome of these investigations, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi must be immediately suspended from his position as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria to prevent interference with investigations, destruction of evidence, or intimidation of witnesses.

The integrity of public office and the credibility of this administration demand nothing less. Nigeria cannot continue to preach zero tolerance for corruption while tolerating impunity at the highest levels of government.

We therefore call on President Tinubu to match his words with decisive action. Nigerians are tired of empty promises, cosmetic reforms, and selective prosecutions.

The suspension, removal, and prosecution of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi will send a powerful and unmistakable message that no one is above the law and that the era of impunity must end.

The time for excuses is over.
The era of selective accountability must end.

The fight against corruption must be total, fearless, and uncompromising.

Enough is Enough.

E-SIGNED:

Stanley Ugagbe, Operations Manager

Comrade Charles Ehemegbulem, NACAT Spokesperson

For Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation

ABOUT NACAT

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) is a duly registered civil society organisation under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

NACAT works with stakeholders locally and internationally to combat corruption, financial crimes, terrorism financing, and economic sabotage, while promoting good governance, transparency, and the rule of law.

Notably, NACAT’s findings previously exposed a multi-billion-naira corruption scheme involving former Akwa Ibom State Governor Dr. Udom Emmanuel, triggering his arrest and an ongoing EFCC probe.