Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, CEHRAWS, has called for clarification over a reported ₦1.9 billion expenditure on the renovation and facelift of the General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The group said the expenditure was reportedly reflected in the 2024 Anambra State Budget Implementation Report, while reports indicate that the renovation project was completed in October 2025.
It said the reported works included replacement of roofs at the Accident and Emergency Department, Out-Patient Department, male and female wards, labour wards and theatre, as well as repainting of hospital buildings and perimeter fences.
The reported contractor is Chisuf Ventures Nigeria Limited.
However, CEHRAWS said publicly available information had previously put the 2022 contract award to the company at about ₦305.9 million, with a four-month completion period, raising questions about the apparent difference between the original contract sum and the ₦1.9 billion expenditure reportedly contained in the 2024 budget implementation report.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, the organisation stressed that the questions did not amount to an allegation of wrongdoing, but were intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
CEHRAWS asked the relevant authorities to clarify whether the ₦1.9 billion represented the original contract value, cumulative expenditure, variation orders, additional works or other components of the hospital project.
It also sought details of any approved variation orders, their costs and scope, as well as the actual amount paid to the contractor and whether the payments were supported by certified works and due procurement procedures.
The organisation further asked the authorities to explain what substantive improvements were delivered beyond roofing and repainting, whether the physical scope of the work corresponds with the reported expenditure, and who certified the completion of the project.
CEHRAWS also called for an independent measurement, valuation or value-for-money assessment of the project and urged the authorities to make the contract documents, approved Bill of Quantities, variation orders, payment records, completion certificate and relevant technical assessments available for public scrutiny.
The group said residents of Anambra State have a legitimate right to know what was budgeted, what was paid, what was delivered and the value ultimately received for public funds.
