Bayelsa State Ministry of Education Refutes Claims of Contractor Shortchanging Amid Successful School Projects

• The Ministry of Education denies allegations of shortchanging contractors on school projects.

• Mr. Joe Sikpi, Director of Finance and Accounts, calls the rumors false and misleading.

• No illegal deductions have been made from funds allocated to contractors.

• Six new secondary school buildings have been completed and commissioned across various communities.

• Only statutory deductions totaling 15.5% are applied, including VAT, WHT, BIM, EDTF, stamp duty, and supervision levies.

The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has firmly dismissed recent allegations that contractors engaged in school projects across the state were being shortchanged. Speaking from Yenagoa, Mr. Joe Sikpi, Director of Finance and Accounts at the ministry, labeled the claims as false and misleading, assuring the public that no illegal deductions have been made from contractors’ payments.

Mr. Sikpi also confirmed that all ongoing school projects are progressing as planned, highlighting the completion and commissioning of six new secondary school buildings in the communities of Igbogene, Biogbolo, Ekeki, Ovom, and Akenpai.

He clarified that the only deductions made from contractors’ funds are official and statutory—approved by the state and consistent with other ministries—which include a cumulative 15.5 percent encompassing 7.5% VAT, 2% Withholding Tax (WHT), 3% Bayelsa Internal Revenue (BIM), 1% Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), 1% stamp duty, and 1% supervision levies. These deductions are processed through the state treasury, ensuring transparency and compliance.