The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has initiated a rigorous investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion intended for contract fees by high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Women Affairs. This action follows a petition from contractors claiming non-payment for completed projects, despite the release of funds by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Contractors have accused the Ministry of Women Affairs of failing to mobilize them to project sites and withholding payments even after the issuance of Certificates of Completion. They assert that the OAGF had confirmed the release of the N1.5 billion for the projects. Additionally, there are allegations that the Ministry misused funds by purchasing seven tricycles for a military barrack in Abuja, raising concerns about the misallocation of resources.
Led by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), the Committee began an investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday to uncover the truth. The Committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on Tuesday to address these allegations.
Rep. Ogbara expressed grave concerns over the Ministry’s decision to award new contracts in 15 states without first settling the existing N1.5 billion debt to contractors. She highlighted that these new contracts were not part of the 2023 Appropriation Act and emphasized the Committee’s commitment to recovering any diverted funds.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is independently investigating the Ministry’s alleged mismanagement of N1.5 billion in overhead funds disbursed in November and December 2023. The Committee has also ordered a suspension of all contract implementation processes in the 2024 budget until the N1.5 billion diversion allegations are thoroughly investigated and resolved.
Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, clarified that only N3.4 billion (25%) of the total N13.6 billion budget had been released, with an outstanding balance of N10.2 billion. Aloy Ifeakandu, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, testified that he had followed official instructions and that all records were available for scrutiny. He also noted that he could not be held accountable for events before his tenure began in September 2023.
The Committee has demanded that the Ministry present all relevant documents by Tuesday and has instructed the Ministry to provide detailed information about the Special Account for the Chibok Girls and the MoU with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, regarding their seven-year scholarship programme.
The House of Representatives, under its constitutional mandate, is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and probity within government activities. Through enhanced legislative oversight, the House aims to expose corruption, ensure efficient utilization of taxpayer funds, and guarantee effective government functioning.
