Leaked Memo: Ministry Of Agric Approves N30m For Mosque Construction

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been condemned following a leaked memo conveying the approval of N30m for the construction of a ‘Friday’ mosque with taxpayers’ funds.

The memo, dated December 10, 2020, with reference number FMA/PROC/AHS/SIP/2020/7742/1, disclosed that the Ministerial Tenders Board approved the contract.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mohammed Nanono, of Kano State to head the ministry in 2019.

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 is yet to make a statement on the development.

Meanwhile, a search through the 2020 budget by The PUNCH showed that no mosque construction was stated in the ministry’s estimates.

See the memo below: