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Internet Contract: Auditor-General Asks Aziz, NIMC Boss Refund to N229m

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Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF) has asked Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, director-general, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to refund N229 million into the federal government’s treasury, over alleged non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act in the award of the contract for the supply of internet servers.

Internet Contract: Auditor-General Asks Aziz, NIMC Boss to Refund N229m

Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, DG, NIMC

This is coming as the Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC) also launched probe on the contract, following the query contained in the 2017 report of the Auditor General for the Federation.

However, Aziz, the DG of NIMC, who appeared before the Committee recently, claimed that the contract falls within the threshold of the Commission’s Tenders Board because it is classified under ‘works’.

The query reads: “Audit observed that capital payment vouchers reference number: NIMC/LS/IGL/1/11/105, dated 25th October, 2017 for N229.7 million showed that NIMC procured 22 units of HP blade servers for Morpho BSS upgrade.

“The items were supplied. There was no evidence of Ministerial Tender’s Board approval, thus, negating the mandatory ‘Open Competitive’ bidding. Public advertisement in at least two national dailies, as required by Financial Regulation 2907 (1) and section 251(ii) of the Public Procurement Act, was absent.

“There was an initial payment of N103.4 million vide payment voucher number NIMC/01/016 CA/18 dated 19/01/18, representing 45 per cent of the contract sum as against the mobilisation fee of 15 per cent.

“The other subsequent payments were not also backed by an interim performance certificate as required by Section 35(2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“This is an indication of weakness in the internal control system at National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“This could lead to poor value for money and possibility of misapplication and misappropriation of funds. Management’s response: No response was received from management at the time of our report.

“Recommendation: The Director-General is required to refund the sum of N229 million.”

Senator Matthew Urhoghide, chairman of the Senate panel, sustained the query at the sitting of his panel on Tuesday and demanded further information from the agency.

However, Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, director-general of NIMC, said that the contract fell within the threshold of the Commission’s Tenders Board because it is classified under ‘works’.

He said that all the servers had been supplied before the initial payment of 45 per cent which represents part payment and not mobilisation due to paucity of funds.

He further informed the committee that the amount was meant to procure 22 blade servers to accommodate 20 million enrollment records.

He also said that the contract was a continuation of procurement of Enterprise Servers and Storage Solution and Equipment which was awarded in 2012.

He added that the Commission had registered 57 million people as of Tuesday while 90 servers were needed to register 100 million Nigerians.

He said the Commission will on Wednesday submit a N25bn proposal to buy more servers in order to take the whole population.

But Uroghide said that it is wrong for the Commission to continue the 2012 procurement process in 2017.

The chairman said, “We are supposed to do a status inquiry on your Commission because it looks like all your documents are muddled up.”

The Committee, therefore, mandated the NIMC management to reappear next week Thursday with more documents to back up their claims.


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ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

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Integrated System and Devices Limited (ISDL), a major provider of electronic security solutions, is delighted to announce the successful attainment of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications following a rigorous audit process conducted by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK Branch.

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

In 2021, ISDL bagged the Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, and now in 2024, with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, the occupational Health and Safety system ISO 45001:2018 and the Environmental management system ISO 14001:2015 have been consolidated to form an Integrated Management System.

These certifications, covering ISDL’s headquarters and branches, signify the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management across all facets of its operations.

According to Oluseun Mabogunje, managing director of ISDL, the scope of the certifications encompasses the design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, maintenance, and after-sales support of various electronic security and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) equipment.

Mabogunje expressed his elation at receiving the IMS certifications, emphasizing ISDL’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to its clientele. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the company’s ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

 

 

 


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Cybervergent’s Q1 2024 Report Reveals Rising Threat of Remcos RAT Malware in Financial Sector

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Cybervergent, a foremost technology company providing automated cybersecurity solutions, in its Quarterly Brief has revealed a troubling trend in the financial sector that shows a spike in attacks utilising the deceptive Remote Control and Surveillance Access Trojan (Remcos RAT) in Q1, 2024.

The findings affirm a stark forewarning to the financial institutions and organisations in the African continent, urging heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate potential escalating risks.

Previously marketed as a legitimate software, Remcos got co-opted by malicious actors and is now a prevalent tool in cybercrime campaigns. This remote access tool grants attackers hidden entry into victims’ devices, allowing them to seize control, pilfer sensitive data, and even introduce stealth backdoors to compromise entire systems. The capabilities of Remcos are diverse and frightening, ranging from disabling vital security features like User Account Control (UAC) to covertly recording user activities.

“As vigilant cybersecurity gatekeepers, we have observed a significant surge in attacks leveraging the Remcos RAT malware,” said Gbolabo Awelewa, the Chief Solutions Officer, Cybervergent. “Financial institutions are particularly targeted due to the sensitive nature of their data and assets. Organisations must remain diligent and adopt proactive monitoring measures to safeguard against such threats.”

The proactive approach adopted by Cybervergent’s Cyber Operations Centre involves meticulous analysis of attacker tactics, constant updating of threat intelligence, and implementing robust endpoint security solutions. These measures are designed to detect, prevent, and neutralise Remote Access Trojans like Remcos, ensuring the continued security and compliance of organisations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

“Our mission is to fortify our clients’ defenses and ensure the seamless operation of their organisations,” added Gbolabo. “By staying ahead of emerging attack vectors and vulnerabilities, we empower businesses to take proactive measures and protect their valuable assets.”

Looking ahead, Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Cybervergent emphasised the firm’s focus on empowering organisations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance with dexterity and confidence.

“Cybervergent’s Assurance and Compliance Team has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the cybersecurity domain, achieving significant milestones and delivering transformative solutions. Our journey through Q1 reflects a deep commitment to advancing the state of cybersecurity compliance, paving the way for a secure and resilient digital future for organisations in Africa and across the world”, he added.


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Konga Launches Free Same Day Deliveries on Starlink, Apple & Samsung Nationwide

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Konga, the only authorised shop-in-shop for Starlink Internet kits in Nigeria, is offering its customers free same day delivery across all major cities in the country.

With prices of Starlink Internet kits slashed by 50%, Konga is delivering additional value so that both homes and businesses in urban and remote places can enjoy infinite possibilities with their internet on both their standard and enterprise installations. This offer which is available both online and in its retail stores nationwide is exclusive to new and existing customers this month.

With the improvement in prices on both original standard and enterprise Starlink kits, customers can now enjoy a global warranty and direct installation services by purchasing only on Konga.

Since the launch of the partnership with the Elon Musk owned satellite internet provider, Nigerians have continued to celebrate the uninterrupted supply of fast and efficient cyber network services from the authentic devices available on Konga.

In addition to Starlink, other unique items from leading global companies such as Apple, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Zinox, Philips, Intel and many more are available at unbeatable discounts in the Konga Tech Month from the 1st and will run till the 31st of May 2024.

The Konga Tech Month was extended from its traditional 7day promotion to 30days to give more people access to exclusive deals throughout the month. To enjoy these mouthwatering offers, visit konga.com or any of its physical outlets today.


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