Soludo Government Awards ₦229 Million Contracts for Two Hospital Gates in Anambra as Audit Flags ₦725m Financial Irregularities

The Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo has awarded contracts worth ₦229 million for the construction of two gates at General Hospitals in Okpoko and Fegge, SaharaReporters has revealed. A review of the Anambra State Open Contracting Portal shows that the projects, tagged “Solution Is Here Model Gate,” were awarded at an average cost of ₦114.5 million per gate.

According to the contract details, Crystal Dove Construction Limited emerged as the contractor for both projects. However, checks on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal did not provide verifiable information about the company, raising transparency concerns.

The contract awards come amid growing scrutiny of Anambra State’s public finances following revelations in the state’s 2024 Audit Report. The report, issued by the Office of the Auditor-General, uncovered unresolved financial queries and alleged fiscal indiscipline totaling over ₦725 million across several ministries and parastatals.

Key findings include the non-retirement of ₦263 million released to the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) for consultancy services related to a proposed industrial city master plan and special economic zone licence. Auditors noted that there was no evidence of the master plan or licence for which the funds were approved, describing the situation as a violation of financial accountability and fiscal responsibility principles.

The audit also flagged missing government assets, including three vehicles—one Peugeot Panther and two Ford Rangers—that could not be accounted for by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

These revelations have intensified public debate over spending priorities, transparency, and accountability in Anambra State, particularly as large sums are allocated to infrastructure projects like hospital gates while unresolved audit queries and missing public funds remain unaddressed.

News Brief: Tinubu Must Lead on Social Welfare, Not Delegate to Governors — Falana.

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take direct responsibility for combating poverty in Nigeria, rather than deferring social welfare duties to state governors.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana reacted to Tinubu’s recent plea to APC governors to “wet the grass” by addressing grassroots economic hardship. While acknowledging the President’s concern, Falana insisted the Federal Government must move beyond appeals and fully fund existing national welfare programmes.

He criticised the 2025 budget allocation of ₦32.7 billion to the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), comparing it unfavorably to the ₦39 billion reportedly spent on the International Conference Centre renovation. “This government cannot justify underfunding welfare while indulging in expensive renovations,” Falana said.

He called for a ₦5 trillion investment in the NSIP, which supports youth employment, school feeding, soft loans, and cash transfers for vulnerable households. Falana also called out wasteful spending in the 2025 budget, citing ₦6.93 trillion in padded projects exposed by BudgIT.

With ₦11.195 trillion disbursed to states via FAAC in the last year, Falana said resources are available—what’s lacking is political will and prioritization.

He also demanded multi-stakeholder oversight for NSIP funds, including civil society and trade unions, to ensure transparency and real impact.

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