Editor
…pledges to track N1.5 billion purportedly misappropriated by officials
…Summons Minister to appear with necessary documents
…Operating a private account for Chibok girls programs
By Fatima Saka
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has implemented a moratorium on all contract processes for the 2024 budget allocation with immediate effect until all outstanding issues concerning the N1.5 billion intended for contractor payments but allegedly diverted by senior officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are resolved.
Added that there should not be any payment to any contractor for any purpose, for any reason, as from today Thursday, until we resolve all these issues.
The committee has also observed a lack of connection between the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Permanent Secretary, and the Director of Finance.
Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, stated during a meeting with the committee on Thursday that he strictly follows official directives from his superiors, asserting that the records are accessible.
The meeting was prompted by a petition from contractors of the ministry to the House of Representatives regarding non-payment for contracts worth billions of Naira.
In her remarks during the meeting, the committee’s chairperson, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, indicated that the ministry initiated new contracts not included in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion, which was meant for previous contractors.
She further stated that the ministry, despite owing contractors, awarded new contracts in 15 states of the federation, which were also not part of the 2023 budget.
“How do you intend to pay these contractors when funds have been diverted and payments have not been made?” she inquired.
Ogbara mentioned that the ministry is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for the release of N1.5 billion in overhead funds for November/December 2023.
Additionally, the petitioners alleged that the ministry procured 7 tricycles for a military barrack in Abuja, a claim denied by a procurement officer of the ministry.
The committee also highlighted that the ministry entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, for the payment of Chibok girls’ school fees over seven years while using a private account.
Responding to some of the allegations, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, absolved himself of blame, explaining that in 2023, the total budget was N13.6 billion, with a release of N3.4 billion, representing 25 percent of the budget. He further stated that the budget utilization was N3.4 billion, leaving an unreleased balance of N10.2 billion.
The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) mentioned, “I assumed office at the ministry in September 2023, and I am not aware of the events before my tenure.”
“Individual contractors have their files, which can be traced. At the time I took over, there was no remaining balance in the account,” he clarified.
According to the chairman, despite the ongoing controversies, correspondence from the Accountant General of the Federation revealed that the N1.5 billion had been disbursed to the ministry.
“The minister has not authorized any payments since assuming office. The Permanent Secretary mentioned that the minister directed him not to pay any contractors,” the petitioners stated.
The committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on Tuesday.
“We are providing until Tuesday for the ministry to present all relevant documents to explain the disappearance of the N1.5 billion,” Ogbara emphasized.
The committee has also instructed the ministry to halt all contract processes for 2024 until the matter is resolved.
Moreover, the committee has requested to review the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.
“We need to assess the account and review the documents,” Ogbara said
While briefing the press, the chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development said a letter was sent to the minister about a month ago, requesting her presence at the committee. Despite receiving no response, a reminder was sent last week. The minister only communicated three days ago that she would be unable to attend. It was only on Tuesday, two days ago, that she informed the committee of her unavailability due to a scheduled trip to Syria to represent the First Lady. In contrast, the chairperson expressed the importance of addressing the concerns of Nigerians as a public office holder.
The committee proceeded with the session, with the involvement of the permanent secretary, directors, and procurement officer, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders were present. During the proceedings, members of the committee posed several inquiries, to which the officials failed to provide satisfactory responses. The conflicting statements among the officials led to further questioning, with the DFA eventually being sworn in due to his reluctance to provide accurate information.
The committee discovered discrepancies in the testimonies, noting that the procurement officer corroborated the contractors’ claims, affirming that they fulfilled their contractual obligations. The funds paid by the contractors to the ministry were unaccounted for, prompting the committee to investigate the whereabouts of the money.
The committee also raised concerns about unauthorized contracts executed by the ministry in 2023, as well as the source of funds for these contracts. The lack of coordination within the ministry was evident, with the DFA working independently and withholding information. As a result, the officials were instructed to address these issues and collaborate effectively to ensure transparent and accountable use of allocated funds, reflecting the interests of Nigerian citizens, particularly women.
Contractors involved include:
1. Fiusan International Project Limited
2. Saliwak Resources Limited
3. Solnay Global Concept Limited
4. Vertex Concordian International Limited
5. Belemu Nigeria Limited
6. Montrouge Project Limited
7. Mogero Investment Resource Limited
8. Mabera Muyoya Investment Limited
9. Corart Venture Limited.
With evidence of certification completion issue by the ministry;
