The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion intended for contractor payments by key officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The House Committee on Women Affairs began the probe in Abuja following petitions from contractors regarding unpaid contracts.
Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, the committee’s chairperson, stated that the ministry started new contracts not included in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion allocated for previous contractors.
She mentioned that despite owing contractors, the ministry awarded new contracts in 15 states, which were allegedly not included in the 2023 budget.
According to her, “money for contractors has not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?”
Ogbara also noted that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is investigating the ministry concerning an overhead release of N1.5 billion in November/December 2023.
The petitioners also claimed that the ministry purchased seven tricycles for a military barracks in Abuja.
Ogbara stated that the ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, to pay the Chibok girls’ school fees for seven years.
Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu, the Director of Finance and Administration in the ministry, said he followed official directives from his superiors, adding that the records are available.
He explained, “I resumed at the ministry in Sept. 2023, I wouldn’t know what happened before I came. The individual contractors have their files, it can be traced, as at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote.”
Mr. Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, exonerated himself, stating, “in 2023, we had a total budget of N13.6 billion, while the total release was N3.4 billion. This translates to 25 per cent budget utilisation, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2 billion.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation confirmed the release of the N1.5 billion to the ministry.
Meanwhile, the committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear before it on Tuesday, July 9.
The committee also directed the ministry to halt all contract processes in 2024 “until the matter is resolved,” and demanded details of the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU. (NAN)
