News
N11.45bn Enugu Smart Schools Project: Civil Society Group Indicts Sujimoto, Demands EFCC Probe
A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD) has accused Mr Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, of allegedly misappropriating the over ₦11.45 billion meant for the construction of 22 Smart Schools in Enugu State.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of GGSMD, Comrade Godwin Erheriene, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
According to him, it was suspicious and fraudulent for the contractor to present a bond from Jaiz Bank for the project, only to later receive payments through a Zenith Bank account.
The statement reads, “This conference has become necessary given recent developments in Enugu State. If left unchecked, they will not only affect hardworking indigenous contractors but also tarnish Nigeria’s image before the international community.
“The persistent fraudulent activities carried out by Sijibomi Ogundele, owner of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, have become alarming. If the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies fail to act, more Nigerians will continue to fall victim to his sharp practices.
“For clarity, on 2 July 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd a contract worth ₦11,457,930,950.52 for the construction of 22 Smart Schools (buildings only), with a six-month completion timeline. The government also paid ₦5,762,565,475.25, representing 50 per cent of the total contract sum, to fast-track the projects.
“However, rather than adhere to the terms of the contract, Sujimoto delivered substandard work using unqualified engineers. None of the sites met structural specifications, and he eventually abandoned them. All government attempts to engage him failed, leaving the Enugu State Government with no option but to petition the EFCC.
“When a joint team from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the EFCC inspected the 22 project sites in May 2025, they confirmed that minimal or no significant work had been done, one year after the contract award.
“It is troubling that, while Sujimoto presented a Jaiz Bank bond, he used Zenith Bank account 1312731196 to collect and divert funds meant for the projects. This act demonstrates a clear intent to defraud the state from the outset.
“What could be more fraudulent than presenting Jaiz Bank as a bond while secretly using Zenith Bank to collect funds from the same transaction—without the knowledge of the Enugu State Government?
“We therefore call on the EFCC to ensure that every penny collected by Sijibomi Ogundele through Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd is recovered in the interest of the good people of Enugu State.”
News
FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.
The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:
1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,
2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,
3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and
4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.
Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.
The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.
Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.
He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:
1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State
Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited
Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00
Length: 122 Kilometres
2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States
Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,
Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77
Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)
3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State
Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited
Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90
Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and
4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State
Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited
Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93
Length: 73 Kilometres
All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.
The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.
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