CBN GOV. EMEFIELE
FeaturedHighlightTrending Story

Bitt Incorporation engagement: CBN gets seven-day ultimatum to provide details of bidding process

94

 

“The CBN has the responsibility to inform the public on the bidding process in the context of transparency and due diligence. While the winner of the bid has been announced, it is necessary for the public to know how the winner of the bid emerged”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been given a seven-day ultimatum to provide relevant information about the bidding process in its engagement of Bitt Incorporation.

Nigeria’s anti-corruption group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) made the request in a letter addressed to the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

The Apex bank had in August announced its technical partner for its Digital Currency Project after what it described as a competitive bidding process.

Titled, “Request for Information on the Engagment of Bitt Inc by the Central Bank of Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre said it was pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2021.

The request, signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, asked the CBN to provide all relevant information relating to the bidding process that led to the engagement of Bitt Incorporation by the apex bank in line with global best practices.

Persecondnews recalls that the CBN had announced in August that after a highly competitive bidding process, Bitt Inc was selected as the technical partner for its Digital Currency Project named “eNaira”.

A press statement dated the 30th day of August 2021 and signed by Osita Nwanisobi (Director, Corporate Communication of the Central Bank of Nigeria) had announced the outcome of the bidding which drew several other contenders.

“The CBN has the responsibility to inform the public on the bidding process in the context of transparency and due diligence. While the winner of the bid has been announced, it is necessary for the public to know how the winner of the bid emerged” Suraju said.

HEDA said its request on the subject was part of its mandate as a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) to among others, protect and promote transparency, accountability and justice in public affairs.

“We have no doubt that the bidding process was done in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“However, to satisfy public curiosity and pursuant to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, HEDA requested for critical information like list of bidders and evidence of public opening of the bid.”

 

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Tax evasion: Lawyer withdraws from fleeing Binance executive’s case against NSA, EFCC

Mr. T.J. Krukrubo (SAN), the head of the legal team, has withdrawn...

FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at Lagos Airport over discrimination against ex-Gov Daniel’s son

Barely 24 hours after Debola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor...

Atiku’s campaign DG switches loyalty, drums support for Tinubu, Fubara

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, who...

Just in: FCT court discharges, acquits ex-AGF Adoke in OPL 245 fraud charge

The FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Thursday dismissed the charges...

63-year-old woman, teenage girl, two others killed in U.S. stabbing spree

A man armed with a knife went on a stabbing spree in...

FG to collect only nine types of taxes, says FIRS chairman

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says in line with the presidential...

After 14 days in detention, First News editor, Segun Olatunji, breathes air of freedom

The Editor of FirstNews, a digital newspaper, Segun Olatunji, on Thursday regained...

N3trn budget padding: Sen. Ningi threatens legal action if suspension is not lifted in seven days

Abdul Ningi, the senator representing Bauchi Central, has given Senate President Godswill...

Eniola Ajao apologizes over “AJAKAJU” movie premiere controversy

Actress Eniola Ajao has issued an apology to the public in the...

Ex-Presidential media aide, Akande criticises LP’s leadership, urges party’s alignment with national interest

Mr. Laolu Akande, a former presidential assistant, has expressed dissatisfaction with the...

Economic hardship: Ogun Govt. begins sale of rice at 50 percent price reduction to workers, public

Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will start selling...

FG committed to steel industry revitalization to drive infrastructural development, says Industry Minister, Dr Uzoka-Anite

The Federal Government is committed to industry rehabilitation, with a focus on...

Easter: FG declares Friday, March 29, Monday, April 1 public holidays

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1,...

Fake, unwholesome products: NAFDAC seals 10 bakeries, 8 table water factories in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) has shut down...

Climate change, food security: AfDB approves $50 million for Yobe State

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has granted a $50 million loan...

Ex Guinea-Bissau President’s Son Jailed in U.S. for Drug Trafficking

Malam Bacai Sanha Jr, the son of a former president of Guinea-Bissau,...

Few weeks to party primary, leading Ondo APC governorship aspirant, Dr. Paul Akintelure, passes away

Dr. Paul Akintelure, a prominent candidate for governorship in Ondo State who...

IPOB, bandits using betting sites, crowdsourcing to finance terrorism – NFIU

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), bandits, and other terror organizations are...

EU launches €9m energy projects in Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has unveiled two new initiatives worth €9 million...

Don’t sell dollar above N1,269, CBN orders Bureau de Change

As part of measures to strengthen the naira against the dollar, the...