The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has initiated a serious investigation into the unauthorized sale of two helicopters belonging to the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) for $1.2 million, which they allege was conducted improperly and without proper authorization. Here are the key points from the situation:
1. **Unauthorized Sale:**
The committee, led by Chairman Ademorin Kuye, expressed deep concern over the sale of two helicopters that were originally purchased for $2.4 million, but were sold for half the price without following due process.
2. **Call for Investigation:**
The committee has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to spearhead an investigation into the matter. This decision was made following extensive discussions involving NCAT management and other relevant stakeholders.
3. **Allegations of Falsified Documents:**
During the hearings, committee member Midala Balami alleged that the documents submitted regarding the sale were falsified. This accusation adds weight to concerns about the transparency and legality of the transaction.
4. **Military Use Rejected:**
Musa Alkali, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, revealed that the Nigerian Army’s request to utilize the helicopters for counter-terrorism operations was denied. This underscores the importance of proper authorization and oversight in disposing of public assets.
5. **Committee’s Mandate:**
The committee’s broader mandate includes investigating the status of public assets across Nigeria and recovering potentially mismanaged or neglected assets, both domestically and internationally.
6. **Political Context:**
The timing of the sale, just before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2023, raises questions about the circumstances and approvals surrounding the transaction.
Overall, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets is pushing for accountability and transparency in the management and disposal of public resources, particularly in this case involving the NCAT helicopters. The outcome of the investigation will likely shed light on the extent of any wrongdoing and propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.