VOA program placement in Nigeria has been hampered by major equipment control problems. The most egregious situation was the loss without a trace of $200,000 worth of equipment the RMPPO officer had arranged to go to eight stations in Nigeria, including an important FM radio affiliate in Lagos. The equipment was shipped by sea by the International Broadcasting Bureau, but the consignment apparently was never cleared in Lagos by the general services office of Consulate General Lagos. BBG has subsequently told OIG that, given the importance of the main VOA affiliate in Lagos for which the bulk of the equipment was intended, it will replace the equipment. RMPPO and the Department have suggested controls that should help to ensure proper receipt of future shipments of equipment. The replacement of lost FM systems for affiliates in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna, Nigeria, will be sent by more secure separate air shipments, and all four broadcasting systems are projected to be on the air by October 2002.

It is important that VOA be on the air in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and its environs with a strong signal while the process of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the rebel fighters of the Revolutionary United Front continues, and as the other administrative practices were reviewed, including cash management and inventory procedures. OIG found obsolete and unused equipment that could be donated. BBG has the authority to allow a grantee to donate obsolete and unused equipment that could save Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) storage costs for excess equipment. One recommendation was made for RFE/RL to request authority from BBG to dispose of this equipment.