By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned the Galaxy Backbone, a federal government-owned information technology and shared service provider, to explain several allegations of financial infractions and contract violations. The committee, led by Hon. Bamidele Salam, grilled Galaxy Backbone’s Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Service, Mr. Sani Mohammed Ibrahim, and other key officials over queries from the Auditor-General’s 2021 report.
The organization was found guilty of non-remittance of taxes worth N329,845,000, which was due within 21 days. The committee ruled that necessary sanctions should apply. Another issue under scrutiny was the payment of N66,799,440 for a contractual obligation without relevant documentation. The committee gave Galaxy Backbone 72 hours to provide details of the transaction.
The committee also discovered a payment to ST Engineering, a US-based company, which used the same address in two different states, with no evidence of contract execution. Galaxy Backbone was given another 72 hours to furnish the PAC with details of the contractor and required documents. The organization’s failure to convincingly explain other violations further infuriated the committee.
The committee’s investigation revealed e-payment infractions totaling N12,661,300 and doubtful payments amounting to N2,433,701.56. Additionally, a procurement contract of $164,403 was questioned. The committee’s chairman, Representative Bamidele Salam, expressed disappointment over Galaxy Backbone’s lack of transparency and accountability.
As a result, Galaxy Backbone was invited to reappear before the committee on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to address pending issues. The committee’s decision was aimed at ensuring that Galaxy Backbone provides satisfactory explanations for the alleged financial infractions and contract violations.
In a related development, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) appeared before the committee to answer audit queries regarding payment of allowances for projects Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) totaling N25,801,400. The IPCR’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, attributed the issues to the previous administration.
The committee requested additional information from IPCR, including project locations, transportation fare calculations, and payment details. The committee also investigated “payment for doubtful trainings” totaling N21,383,800, which prompted the constitution of an ad hoc committee to resolve discrepancies.
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution was indicted for lack of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, highlighting the need for improved accountability and transparency in government institutions. The committee’s investigation and findings aim to promote good governance and ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently.
