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A concerned citizen of Benue State, Dzahemen Jerry Asom, has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate several multi-billion naira contracts awarded under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration. The petition, which has been circulating on social media as of late December 2025, alleges serious violations of due process, procurement laws, and potential misappropriation of public funds.
According to the detailed document, multiple contracts were awarded, approved, funded, and gazetted without adhering to statutory requirements, such as approval by the Benue State House of Assembly or the State Executive Council (EXCO). Key examples cited include:
– BSPPC-47/2023, dated September 28, 2023: Rehabilitation of 16 roads within Makurdi Metropolis (15.39km) by Traicta Nigeria Ltd through the Ministry of Works and Housing, valued at ₦9.2 billion. Observations note no EXCO conclusion, no advertisement, no competitive bidding, and a back-dated Certificate of No Objection.
– BSPPC-48/2023, dated November 1, 2023: Construction/rehabilitation of several roads including Captain Dawns Road, NKST Anzwar Road, Tsar Adi Road, and Tom Ahar/Tom Atar Road by Sunlik Company Ltd, valued at approximately ₦6.5 billion, with similar lapses in process.
– BSPPC-56/2023, dated November 27, 2023: Installation and maintenance of solar street lights with CCTV cameras within Makurdi Metropolis by Rumzy Nigeria Ltd through the Ministry of Science and Technology, valued at ₦5.2 billion. Additional concerns highlight influence by an individual named Moses Ternenge, alleged to be the actual beneficiary, wrongful handling through the Ministry of Works and Housing instead of the appropriate ministry, and reports that the project received full payment but was not executed.
The petitioner claims these patterns suggest deliberate circumvention of procurement laws, abuse of office, back-dating of approvals, possible conspiracy between officials and contractors, and diversion of funds. Ground evidence reportedly indicates incomplete or non-execution of some projects despite payments.
Asom has requested the EFCC to investigate the award, approval, funding, and execution of the contracts; examine roles of the governor, commissioners, permanent secretaries, and contractors; determine breaches of procurement laws; and recover any misappropriated funds while prosecuting those found culpable. He offered to provide further information confidentially for his safety.
While Governor Alia’s administration has faced previous petitions to the EFCC on various financial matters since assuming office in 2023, no public reports confirm an ongoing investigation into these specific contracts as of December 29, 2025. Such allegations underscore ongoing concerns over transparency in public procurement in the state, though they remain unproven until investigated by authorities.
