Reps Committee to probe procurement, project implementation at Disability Commission

2026-03-05 - 15:37

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Disability has announced plans to investigate procurement processes and project implementation at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) following concerns raised by stakeholders. The committee, chaired by Mr. Bashiru Dawodu, resolved on Thursday to examine complaints related to contract awards, project execution, and administrative practices within the commission. During the session, stakeholder Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim raised concerns about the alleged inflation of project costs, including a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine procurement, and questioned the pricing of certain training programmes and equipment contracts. Committee members emphasized the need for supporting documentation to substantiate such claims. In response, NCPWD Executive Secretary Ayuba Gufwan said his administration had identified and addressed procurement irregularities that occurred shortly before he assumed office in August 2024. He explained that contracts awarded during the interim period were reviewed and voided by the commission’s Procurement Tenders Board, and a new process was initiated. Gufwan assured lawmakers that detailed documentation would be submitted to clarify the commission’s procurement procedures. Beyond procurement, Gufwan highlighted efforts to expand the commission’s outreach to persons with disabilities nationwide. He noted that when he took office, the commission lacked operational zonal offices, but regional offices have since been established in Plateau, Bauchi, Abia, and Oyo states, with plans to cover remaining regions. He also acknowledged funding limitations that have sometimes hindered the accommodation and support of persons with disabilities visiting the commission. The committee indicated that additional sessions may be scheduled to allow more stakeholders to present their submissions and stressed that the investigation aims to promote transparency and accountability, benefiting millions of Nigerians with disabilities.