The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion by principal officers of the Ministry of Women Affairs, intended for contractor payments.
The House Committee on Women Affairs began the probe in response to petitions from contractors regarding non-payment for executed contracts.
Kafilat Ogbara, the committee chairwoman, stated that the ministry initiated new contracts not included in the 2023 budget, diverting N1.5 billion intended for previous contractors.
She highlighted the ministry’s failure to pay contractors while awarding new contracts across 15 states, which were not captured in the 2023 appropriation.
“Money for contractors has not been paid, and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?” Ogbara questioned.
Ogbara also revealed an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) into the ministry’s overhead release of N1.5 billion for November-December 2023.
Petitioners further alleged the ministry’s purchase of seven tricycles for a military barracks in Abuja and a Memorandum of Understanding with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, to cover Chibok girls’ school fees for seven years.
Aloy Ifeakandu, the ministry’s director of finance and administration, claimed he complied with directives from superiors and that records are available.
He stated, “I resumed at the ministry in September 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.”
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Permanent Secretary Gabriel Aduda exonerated himself, explaining, “In 2023, we had a total budget of N13.6 billion, while the total release was N3.4 billion.” He clarified that this amounts to 25% budget utilization, with an unreleased balance of N10.2 billion.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation confirmed the release of N1.5 billion to the ministry.
The committee has also summoned Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye to appear on July 9 and ordered the ministry to halt all contract processes for 2024 until the matter is resolved. The committee also demanded a special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.
(NAN)
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