Taraba SUBEB Contractors Lament Stalled UBEC Project Mobilization: Alleged of incompetence, nepotism, and poor financial management at the SUBEB, called for the chairman’s removal and an investigation into the Board’s financial activities.

 

Contractors under the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects in Taraba State have decried delays in the issuance of award letters and site mobilization, nearly two months after bidding was concluded.

In the recent time, journalists  has sought clarification on the delay in issuing award letters to successful bidders. However, efforts to reach Mrs. Christiana Taninga Binga, the Executive Chairperson Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) Taraba State, for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

The bidding process for the projects was concluded over a month ago, close to two months now. Several contractors who spoke with journalists, expressed concern that award letters had not been issued and mobilization to project sites had not commenced.

They noted that the delay appears contrary to UBEC procurement timelines and guidelines, which stipulate specific periods for contract award and commencement.

The contractors said they do not know the reason for the delay and are seeking clarity on:

1. When award letters and mobilization should be expected

2. What steps the Board is taking to ensure compliance with UBEC rules

3. How the Board plans to avoid project time overruns due to late commencement

Some contractors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also raised allegations of incompetence, nepotism, and poor financial management at the Board. They called for the chairman’s removal and for an investigation into the Board’s financial activities. 

All efforts to get the SUBEB Chairman’s response to the allegations and the delay were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The Board is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The UBEC coordinator in Taraba could not be reached for comment.