Contract Scandal: US Firm Takes Legal Action Against Minister Tunji-Ojo, Demands N50M in Damages

In a significant legal development, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, faces a lawsuit in an Abuja High Court over the alleged awarding of a multi-million dollar contract without the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

The lawsuit was filed by American company DCA Global LLC and its Nigerian affiliate, DCA United Services Limited.

Claiming a breach of contractual agreement, the company demands N50 million in damages. The suit also implicates the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Minister of Justice. According to the plaintiff’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, the company proposed the establishment of Passport Application Support Centres in 12 countries globally for the renewal of Nigerian passports.

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DCA Global alleges that it conceived, developed, and sold the idea to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service under the Public Private Partnership initiative. The project was initially projected to generate revenue of over $700 million for the Federal Government.

The company asserts that the number of countries involved was later increased from 12 to 25, consequently boosting the expected annual revenue to over $3 billion. It claims to have followed due processes, receiving approval certificates from relevant government bodies, including the Immigration Service, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

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The plaintiff accuses Minister Tunji-Ojo of bypassing established procedures by announcing the commencement of the project with another company. The lawsuit seeks a court order restraining the defendants from denying or depriving the claimant of the right of first refusal and from further considering bids for the establishment of passport application support centres.

Additionally, the company seeks N50 million as damages for the alleged breach of contract. The legal action brings attention to the complexities surrounding government contracts and the potential financial implications for all parties involved.