By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government is facing calls for an independent investigation into reported auctions and proposed removal of public waterworks equipment in Ankpa, Isanlu and Dekina-Anyigba, amid concerns over access to safe drinking water.
The Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KONGONET) said the reported transactions raised questions about the handling of public assets and demanded full disclosure of approvals, valuations and auction records.
In a statement issued by its Chairperson, Hamza Ibrahim Aliyu, the coalition said water facilities acquired with taxpayers’ money should not be auctioned or dismantled without lawful authorisation, independent engineering assessments and transparent valuation.
KONGONET recalled media reports in July 2024 about a disputed auction of equipment at the Dekina-Anyigba/Ajetachi water facilities. The Commissioner for Water Resources was reportedly seeking relevant documents and conducting due diligence on a transaction believed to have originated under a previous administration.
In September 2026, residents and community representatives also raised concerns over proposed equipment removals from the Isanlu Water Scheme in Yagba East Local Government Area.
On Ankpa, the group cited a civil society report referencing a Ministry of Water Resources letter dated September 21, 2026, and an alleged disposal schedule listing Akwu Water Works equipment, including a 100kVA generator and an overhead tank.
It also noted that the Ankpa Local Government chairman had inspected the abandoned waterboard site and called for the protection and recovery of its equipment.
However, KONGONET said it had not independently verified the original letter, equipment inventory, disposal approvals or evidence of actual removals. It cautioned that the available reports did not establish that every disposal was unlawful or that any individual had committed an offence.
The coalition urged the Kogi State House of Assembly to convene a public hearing, involving qualified engineers and auditors, to inspect the affected facilities and determine whether serviceable equipment had been improperly classified as scrap.
It also asked the government to publish auction approvals, engineering reports, valuations, bidding documents, buyers’ identities and evidence that proceeds were paid into government accounts within 14 days.
Beyond the investigation, KONGONET called for the protection of disputed equipment and relevant records, suspension of further removals where legally permissible, and urgent provision of safe water to affected communities.
The group said accountability over public water assets must go hand in hand with measures to restore reliable water supply to residents.