A leaked memo conveying the approval of N30m for the construction of a ‘Friday’ mosque with taxpayers’ funds by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sparked controversy.
The memo, dated December 10, 2020, with reference number FMA/PROC/AHS/SIP/2020/7742/1, stated that the Ministerial Tenders Board approved the contract.
The document titled, ‘Award of Contract for the Construction of Friday Mosque’ was signed by the Deputy Director, Procurement, Musa Musa on behalf of the minister and was addressed to the Managing Director, El-Shukhur Multi-Buz Nig. Ltd.
- It read in part: “I am directed to inform you that the ministerial tenders board at its 7th meeting held on December 7, 2020, approved the award of contract for the construction of Friday mosque to your company at the total sum of N30m only, inclusive of VAT, with a completion period of eight weeks with effect from the date of this letter.
“You are therefore required to indicate in writing within three days of receipt of this offer, your acceptance to the office of the director, procurement, FMARD, Abuja or otherwise, the offer will be considered lapsed.”
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development declined to make any official comment on the development.
The Minister is Alhaji Mohammed Nanono, who was appointed by the President, Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
