Concerns about accountability arise when those tasked with upholding the law are accused of bending it.
Actions by influential office holders who allegedly violate regulations not only breach legal standards but also weaken public confidence in governance.
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Recent findings indicate that Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, who represented Adamawa Central in the 9th Senate, was allegedly involved in contract dealings while in office — an act said to contravene provisions of the Code of Conduct framework.
The Code of Conduct Bureau, created to foster transparency and integrity in public service, places strict limits on the private business activities of public officials. Under its rules, full-time office holders are prohibited from owning or managing private companies, except agricultural ventures, to prevent conflicts of interest.
Despite these provisions, documents reportedly show that Ahmed, listed as a director of Binani Publishing Limited, secured contracts totaling ₦227,965,679.80 from government agencies while serving as a senator.
Contract Payments
On December 28, 2022, the Universal Basic Education Commission paid ₦167,786,293.60 to the company for the renovation of nine blocks of two classrooms at Government Girls Secondary School, opposite Government House in Jimeta, Yola North LGA of Adamawa State.
Earlier, on March 25, 2021, the same commission disbursed ₦20,306,249.91 to Binani Publishing Limited as a reprocessed payment for supplying instructional materials to Old GRA Primary School in Jimeta, Yola North LGA.
Additionally, on March 24, 2022, the National Commission for Refugees paid ₦39,873,136.29 to the company for the supply of relief items — both food and non-food — to internally displaced persons in Kumo town, Gombe State.
Company Details
Binani Publishing Limited was registered on May 18, 2015, and lists three directors and shareholders, including Ahmed.
She served as the senator representing Adamawa Central during the 9th Senate Assembly.
Broader Implications
Observers say allegations of public officials benefiting financially through private business interests undermine trust in democratic institutions and highlight persistent governance challenges.
They stress that strengthening oversight and enforcement remains essential to improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.