Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Reps Probe Minister Over Alleged Diversion of N1.5bn

POSTED ON July 5, 2024 •   Politics      BY Benedicta Bassey
House of Representatives/ Photo credit: Premiumtimes

The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the N1.5 billion fund meant for the payment of contractors, but allegedly diverted by officials of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

The House Committee on Women Affairs commenced the investigation in Abuja, following series of petitions by the contractors over non-payment of contracts executed.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, said that the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion being funds for old contractors.

She added that the ministry, while owing contractors, awarded fresh contracts in 15 states of the federation, which she alleged was not captured in the 2023 appropriation.

According to her, ”Money for contractors has not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?"

She stated that the ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the America University of Nigeria, Yola for the payment of Chibok girls school fees for seven years.

The Director of Finance and Administration in the ministry, Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu, said he only complied with official directives from his superiors, saying the records are available.

He said, “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.”

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Gabriel Aduda, exonerated himself, saying that, “in 2023, we had a total budget of N13.6billion, while the total release was N3.4billion.”

This, according to him, translates to 25 per cent budget utilisation, while the unreleased balance stood at N10.2billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation revealed that the said N1.5 billion had been released 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 ordered the ministry to stop all contract process in 2024, until the matter is resolved, while demanding for the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.

READ ALSO
NPF raises concerns over Nationwide Protest coinciding with National Police Day
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 6, 2025 0

In an effort to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has voiced...

READ ALSO
Coalition urges  Tinubu to tackle rising political motivated killings in Benue
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 6, 2025 0

BENUE, Nigeria - The Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to...

READ ALSO
SERAP urges Tinubu to reject $1.08bn W’Bank loan amid missing N233bn allegations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 6, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeria - The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bol...

READ ALSO
Rivers administrator seeks legislative support for socio-economic development
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 5, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has requ...

READ ALSO
Rivers sole administrator unveils 2025 budget amid protests against emergency rule
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 4, 2025 0

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced plans for a new bu...

READ ALSO
Kano praises Emir Sanusi II’s leadership qualities in reinstatement ceremony
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

KANO, Nigeria - Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has stated that his government reinstated Khalifa Muhammad...

READ ALSO
APC caution Cross River members against unauthorize legal suits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 1, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - The cross Rivers chapter of the All Progressives Congress has wa...

READ ALSO
SERAP urges withdrawal of bill targeting Non-Voters in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 31, 2025 0

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to Senate President Godswi...

OUR CHANNELS:

NiMet warns of high temperatures, possible thunderstorms
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted sunny weather and t...


Nigeria, Sweden unite for sustainable development and economic growth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - Nigeria and Sweden reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral relatio...


FG unveils MAMII to ensure safe deliveries and healthier mothers
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

In an effort to decrease maternal mortality rates, the federal government has initiated the Maternal...


I am raising funds for my release- 2face Idibia
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

Multiple awards winning singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Baba, has faulted the claim by hi...


Wife urge court to remand Husband over assault
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - A mild drama unfolded on Monday at the Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State...


FG allocates N2.035bn to enhance basic education across Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Federal Government has allocated N2.035 billion to 1,147 school-based managemen...


NDPC launches initiative to combat cyberbullying, financial fraud through data protection
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 9, 2025 0

The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Monday reiterated its dedication to enhancing data...


Lagos-Calabar coastal highway to feature climate-resilient design- Minister of Works
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 9, 2025 0

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has assured that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being...


One dead, three injured in Lagos explosion involving military-grade grenade
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Police Command has reported one fatality from the explosion that to...


UNCTAD highlights risks of AI disparities as market approaches $4.8trn
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 8, 2025 0

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide, along with the emergence of new t...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu