156 Companies Prosecuted For Submitting Fake Documents

Emeka Ezeh, the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, the BPP, stated the information about these 156 companies at a forum held with contractors, service providers and consultants of Ministries and Departments and Agencies of the Government.

The forum, was organized by the BPP to provide an update on the reform of public procurement system and in order to explain the Public Procurement Act signed in 2007 due to the fact that they influence the contractors and enhance the implementation of federal budget of government of 2014.

The identities of companies were not disclosed. Still, Ezeh added that 80% of the companies that dealt with the government were noticed in fraudulent activities.

According to the statement of director-general, those contractors decided to bid for higher paying contracts faster than the rest by submitting fake documents, instead of making sure that the country gets most value of execution of these contracts.

“We see all manner of fake documents such as false tax clearance certificate, PenCom Certificate of Compliance, false claim of personnel, false audited accounts and use of fake addresses and submission of fake bank statements,” he said.

Moreover, he added that there would be not enough space in prisons to accommodate for them if they all are put behind bars. Ezeh and the Federal Government decided to create a database that would help in further struggles against corruption. This database will support the transparency, the accountability and the competition as well as value for money in public procurement.

The head of BPP stated that “As of April 24, 2014; 1,495 companies have started the registration process. Out of that number, only 158 have completed their registration.

Moreover, he added that no company will be able to do business with governmental MDA if its not registered in the database since the middle of June this year.  

Source: Legit.ng