News

Reps Grill Amaechi, BPE Officials Over $214m Deep Blue Contract

Published

4 years ago

March 16, 2022

The Bureau of Public Procurement has told the House of Representatives’ Committee on Navy that it does not possess the documents presented by the HSL International Limited, which the Federal Government awarded the ‘Deep Blue Project’ contract, before the firm was issued a Certificate of No Objection.

According to the BPP, the documents on HSL International Limited were returned to the Ministry of Transportation after the certificate was issued to the company.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had on June 11, 2021, inaugurated the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure in Nigeria, also known as the Deep Blue Project, at the ENL Terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos State.

The contract is said to be worth $214,830,000, including $195,300,000 for the actual contract and an additional $19,530,000 NIMASA agreed to pay to HSL for ‘Management Training Consideration.’

The committee, on Tuesday, grilled the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; and the leadership of the BPP led by the Director-General, Mamman Ahmadu.

The Corporate Affairs Commission had at the last investigative hearing by the committee on March 9, 2022, told the lawmakers that HSL International Limited was not registered with it.

The Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, had stated that the lawmakers were shocked when the CAC said it did not have HSL on its records, asking the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, to come forward and provide details of the company.

However, the committee did not raise the issue during Amaechi’s presentation on Tuesday but grilled the BPP officials on the firm instead.

The lawmakers stated that for the BPP to issue Certificate of No Objection, the conditions set by Section 16 of the Public Procurement Act must have been met, especially by a contractor.

Gagdi stated that part of the terms of reference of the committee was to look at the contract agreement and the legitimacy of the contract.

The Director, Agriculture and Water Resources, BPP, Isaiah Yesufu, who the DG said was the officer that reviewed the procurement processes leading to the issuance of the certificate on the project, recalled that the request got to the bureau through the Ministry of Transport in 2017.

Yesufu said the request was for HSL International Limited to carry out the provision of some security equipment for the coastlines. He also disclosed that the request was for direct procurement due to the security nature of the project, stressing that the law permits single sourcing for such projects.

He said, “Under the law, there is a section that permits the use of direct procurement under the security related issues and this procurement had a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser and Office of the President indicating the security nature of the project. Under that, we approved the use of direct procurement.

“We went through the processes; we looked at the request that the ministry made, we looked at documents that were submitted. We were satisfied with them and we issued the Certificate of No Objection. We submitted the review report which contains the details of our findings.”

Gagdi also stated that part of the mandate is the legitimacy of the contract. “We expect the BPP to tell us reasons why Certificate of No Objection was issued in respect of this contract,” he said.

The chairman went on to read CAC’s letter to the committee denying knowledge of HSL International Limited. “They did not say no but said they did not have the records. You will give us what the ministry sent to you. Give us the summary in one minute. We investigated the status of this company; maybe we are the ones that are committing the errors. Give us those things,” he partly said.

Responding, Yesufu stated, “The issue of a company being on CAC register; if it is an international company, the law does not exclude them from participating in procurement in Nigeria. There is what we call international bidding; it is not only Nigerian companies, the law permits international companies to participate in our procurement, it does not forbid them. If they are not on the CAC register, it is not an offence; it is just that they are an international company.”

The BPP director noted that the company met all the conditions prescribed by Section 16(6) of the PPA.

The lawmakers then asked why the BPP failed to forward evidence that HSL had the financial capacity and met the other requirements listed in Section 16(6) of the Act, based on which the bureau issued the certificate.

Yesufu said, “First of all, the documents that were brought, which was the basis for our review, were brought in 2017. And when we conclude our reviews, we don’t keep them; we have returned them back to the Ministry of Transportation. What we are going to do is (that) we are going to write to them to bring those documents back. We will not try to retrieve them…”

Several members of the committee were miffed by the comment, asking why the BPP did not keep copies of the document.

The Chairman of the committee, in his ruling, asked the BPP to produce the documents next week.

Earlier in his presentation, Amaechi stated that the project followed due process while all conditions prescribed by the various laws were met. He said after the publication of ‘Request for Proposal’, the BPP was approached which issued an approval for Certificate of No Objection.

The minister also said the project was taken to the Federal Executive Council and it was approved. “Subsequently, we have been going through the cabinet approval in implementing this. And we have implemented it by saying that everything that was to be bought was bought, cleared, installed and handed over to about three or four agencies,” he added.

He further said, “What I don’t know is about payment because as minister, my responsibility is just to approve up to the cabinet level. After that, NIMASA is responsible for implementing it. As the supervising minister, I have the special interest in making sure that the contracts are delivered, because my interest is to ensure that there is security on the waters.

“So far, there is security as it pertains to merchant ships. At least, we have reduced the number of attacks that we used to have on the waters. That is what the situation is now.”

PUNCH.

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

17 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

News

JUST IN: Kano Lawmaker, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, Dies Hours After Colleague’s Passing

Published

42 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal in the Kano State House of Assembly, died on Wednesday, barely hours after the death of his colleague, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo.

The Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed Daneji’s death to journalists in Kano.

Daneji’s demise came shortly after the passing of Hon. Ungogo, who was the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and represented Ungogo Local Government in the Assembly. Ungogo, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), reportedly died after a brief illness.

He was said to have been at the Kano State House of Assembly earlier in the day, attending a committee meeting before his death.

The sudden loss of the two lawmakers within a short interval has thrown the Kano State House of Assembly into mourning, with colleagues, party members and constituents expressing shock and grief over the tragic development.

News

Top 11 Friendliest Countries To Visit

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Some countries leave a lasting impression not only because of their sights, but because of the people who call them home. These are places where visitors feel welcome the moment they arrive, where locals are quick to offer directions, share a meal, or simply start a conversation. From busy cities to quiet communities, these destinations stand out for their warmth and hospitality.

Contents
1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Indonesia
4. Costa Rica
5. Philippines
6. Taiwan
7. Portugal
8. Ireland
9. Canada
10. Australia
11. Thailand

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights eleven friendly countries to visit:

1. Panama

Expats say Panama is one of the easiest places to settle into, with affordable living, friendly neighbours and a relaxed pace of life. Its mix of cultures reflects in the way locals open their doors to newcomers, whether you’re exploring rainforests or relaxing along the coast.

2. Mexico

Mexico’s hospitality is well-known. From big cities to small towns, visitors often talk about how locals guide them, recommend places to explore or strike up a chat. The welcoming spirit is part of daily life, making even first-time travellers feel at home.

3. Indonesia

Community life plays a strong role here. Through the tradition of gotong royong, people work together and look out for one another. Tourists note how Indonesians patiently help with language barriers and enjoy sharing their culture, especially in places like Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are known for their warm, positive outlook, summed up in the phrase pura vida. Visitors say the people are approachable, ready to assist and always proud to show off their forests, waterfalls and beaches. Even non-Spanish speakers find it easy to settle in here.

5. Philippines

The Philippines offers more than beautiful islands. Many Filipinos speak English, which makes interaction easy, but it is the hospitality that stands out. Locals often treat visitors like family, adding a personal touch to travels across the country.

6. Taiwan

Taiwanese people are polite, patient and eager to help. Travellers often mention how someone will stop to offer assistance if they look confused. The blend of traditional culture and modern life also creates an inviting environment for visitors.

7. Portugal

Portugal has gained a reputation for being warm and easygoing. Whether you are wandering through Lisbon or exploring seaside towns, you’ll find locals who are welcoming, helpful and proud to share their history, food and way of life.

8. Ireland

Ireland consistently ranks high for friendliness. The people are known for their humour, openness and storytelling. Many visitors recall how strangers struck up conversations or helped them find their way. Dublin, in particular, enjoys a strong reputation for being exceptionally welcoming.

9. Canada

Canada’s multicultural setting and calm pace of life reflect how locals interact with visitors. Politeness is a strong cultural trait, and travellers often talk about the kindness they encounter from major cities to smaller towns surrounded by nature.

10. Australia

Australians are known for their relaxed approach and willingness to help. The spirit of “mateship” encourages people to look out for one another, and visitors see this in everyday interactions. Whether at a beach, café or tourist spot, the friendly attitude is hard to miss.

11. Thailand

Called the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand’s reputation speaks for itself. The cheerful attitude of locals, influenced by cultural values that embrace kindness and joy, makes travelling here pleasant. Even in busy markets or tourist centres, visitors still encounter genuine warmth.

These destinations show that travel is about places but the people you meet along the way. Their friendliness adds colour to the journey and often becomes the most memorable part of the experience.