The Enugu State Patriots, a coalition of political and professional leaders, has expressed support for efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Enugu State Government to recover N5.7 billion paid to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools.
The group dismissed claims by Sujimoto’s CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, that the company had already spent N4 billion before the contract was terminated in February 2025. Citing reports from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Patriots said the work on all 22 sites was not worth more than N600 million.
In a statement on Monday, spokesperson Prof. Mathias Anikwe faulted Ogundele’s attempt to blame inflation for the company’s failure, noting that other contractors had delivered their projects despite similar challenges. He also accused the firm of downplaying its tax obligations by claiming it received only N5.2 billion.
“No one can blame the government for awarding the contract, given Sujimoto’s track record in Lagos. But having failed to show value for money in Enugu, we advise Ogundele to stop the excuses and return the money,” Anikwe said.
Meanwhile, several contractors handling multiple Smart Green School projects commended the government for its investment in modern learning infrastructure. They said the projects were progressing according to standards and schedule.
Surv. Ugo Chime, Managing Director of Testimony Enterprises, confirmed his company had completed 10 schools, with keys being handed over this week. Chief Ikeje Asogwa of Intasog Limited and Chinedu Nwobodo of Alubond Nigeria Limited also reported steady progress on their allotted sites.
Chief Charles Mba of CDV Properties stressed that over 90 percent of the projects were awarded to credible Enugu companies, while Benneth Nwatu of Ever Progressive Integrated Resources Venture praised the governor’s commitment, noting that upward contract reviews helped contractors stay on track despite inflation.
The 260 Smart Green Schools initiative is a flagship project of the Mbah administration, which allocated over 30 percent of the 2024 and 2025 state budgets to education.
