FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
EBONYI STATE MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR EXTERNAL AUDIT OF THE EBONYI STATE RING ROAD PROJECT (2024, 2025 & 2026 FINANCIAL YEARS)
REF NO: EBRRP/CS/LCS/26/01
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

COUNTRY–STATE: NIGERIA–EBONYI STATE
NAME OF PROJECT: EBONYI STATE RING ROAD PROJECT
ISSUANCE DATE: December 22, 2025.

A. BACKGROUND
The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received financing from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), comprising an ADB Loan of USD 40 Million and an Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF) Loan of USD 30 Million, approved in April 2019, towards the cost of the Ebonyi State Ring Road Project. Additional financing is being provided by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in the amount of approximately USD 80 Million, alongside counterpart funding from the Ebonyi State Government.

The Project is being implemented by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) under the Ebonyi State Ministry of Works and Transport. The Ebonyi State Ring Road links several agrarian communities across Ezzamgbo, Onueke, Noyo, Effium and adjoining areas, intersecting key federal highways and serving as a catalyst for socio-economic development, trade, mobility, safety and industrial growth within Ebonyi State and neighbouring states.

In accordance with the financing agreements, the Project is required to engage an independent external auditor to audit the Project Financial Statements (PFS) and related physical and financial activities.

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Ebonyi State Ring Road Project Objective is to contribute to socio-economic development, poverty reduction through improved road transport infrastructure to reduce road maintenance costs, vehicle operating cost and travel time.

The objective of the assignment is to conduct an independent audit of the Ebonyi State Ring Road for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 financial years, covering the period:
· 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024
· 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025
· 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026

The audit shall provide reasonable assurance that project funds have been used for their intended purposes, in compliance with the applicable financing agreements, and in accordance with internationally acceptable auditing and accounting standards.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of services shall include, but not be limited to:
· Audit of the Project Financial Statements (PFS) in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) or other standards acceptable to the Bank.
· Verification of the use of loan, grant, counterpart and co-financing funds.
· Review of Special Accounts, Statements of Expenditure (SOEs) and disbursement procedures.
· Assessment of internal control systems, procurement processes, and compliance with financing agreements.
· Physical verification of project progress and assets, including technical review where applicable.
· Preparation of:
o An Audit Report on the Financial Statements, and
o A detailed Management Letter highlighting findings, weaknesses and recommendations.
o Follow-up and reporting on the implementation status of recommendations from previous audit reports.

D. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The assignment shall be for a period of three (3) years, subject to satisfactory annual performance reviews. Each annual audit shall be completed within 1.5 months, and the audited PFS shall be submitted to the Bank not later than six (6) months after the end of each financial year.

E. ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Eligible consulting firms shall meet the following minimum requirements:
· Be a registered and licensed audit firm with a recognized national or regional professional accounting body and African Development Bank (AfDB).
· Demonstrate proven experience in auditing donor-funded projects, particularly AfDB, IsDB, World Bank, or similar multilateral-financed projects.
· Possess adequate technical capacity, including financial, procurement, and engineering audit expertise.
· Have key personnel with relevant academic qualifications, professional certifications (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) and demonstrated experience in financial, procurement and technical audits.

F. SELECTION METHOD
The consultant will be selected in accordance with the applicable African Development Bank (AfDB) Procurement Policies and Procedures for Consulting Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the African Development [Bank’s Guidelines: Rules and Procedures for the Use of Consultants (May 2008 & revised July 2012], setting forth the AfD Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment: [as per paragraph 1.9 of Consultant Guidelines].