Barring last minute change of mind, the Federal Government may blacklist some of the 115 companies implicated in the alleged N116b fictitious contracts in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the tenure of ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki, Ripples has learnt.

Among other things, some of the companies might be handed over to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for prosecution for tax default.
Ripples Nigeria gathered that some of the indicted firms may be blacklisted unless they comply with the directive to refund some funds meant for some unexecuted projects.

An impeccable source confirmed to Ripples last night that: “Some of these companies may be blacklisted from getting contracts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies unless they refund the contract sums illegally credited to them or collected and get clearance from the government.

“There are over 115 companies with issues on contracts in ONSA. Some of these firms risk being denied further transactions with the government and its agencies.

“It is certainly no longer business as usual in the country. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will not waiver in its fight against corruption.”

The source further hinted that apart from further probe of more than 300 persons and companies by EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Police, some of the firms may be handed over to the FIRS for tax evasion and other tax infractions.

“Do you know that some of the companies were indicted by the panel for not remitting taxes to the government? Now, they have to face the penalty, “the top source added.

But one of the identified companies, Image Merchants on Monday faulted the report of the panel headed by AVM JON Ode.

In a statement by Yushau Shuaibu, the company said: “For genuine reasons and concern, our strategic team managed many humiliating and embarrassing reports from leakages, including alleged terrorists’ attacks in the hometowns of top security officers in the current administration.

“We honoured the invitation to serve our nation out of patriotism and we dutifully provided our services as crisis communicators diligently and professionally.

“While acknowledging the moral supports and encouragement from critical stakeholders, we will continue to volunteer, support and render the services responsibly. We would never abandon our clients, partners and friends especially those who are unduly victimized and vilified.

“Meanwhile we will soon be in the court to clear our name from the unfortunate media trial of indictment that has been used consistently to unjustly rubbish reputations of institutions and individuals without following the rule of law or due process.”

It may be recalled that the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu had last Thursday claimed that the ONSA committee had recovered over N7billion from those indicted.

The indicted companies are to refund another N41 billion.

But the investigating agencies, including the EFCC, will determine whether another N75 billion should be recovered from some of the companies.

Shehu said the ONSA Committee had found out that one of the indicted companies, Societe D’Equipment International was overpaid by 7.9million Euros and $7.09million.

He noted that many contractors were apparently over paid, while others were given full upfront payments contrary to their contract terms and agreements.

The committee was said to have discovered that some companies failed to fulfill their tax obligations for contracts executed.