The controversy surrounding the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for the payment of contractors by principal officers of the Women’s Affairs and Social Development has forced the House of Representatives Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development to order the stoppage of all contract processes in 2024 until the issue is resolved.
The directive by the House followed a petition by contractors of the ministry to the House of Representatives over non-payment of contracts executed amounting to N1.5 billion.
Mrs Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development said the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion in funds for old contractors.
“The ministry, while owing contractors, awarded fresh contracts in 15 states of the federation, 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” Mrs Ogbara inquired.
According to her, petitioners alleged that the ministry purchased seven tricycles for a military Barrack in Abuja, an allegation a procurement officer of the ministry denied.
She added that there is an ongoing probe of the ministry by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on overhead release for November and December 2023 to the tune of N1.5bn.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, while responding to some of the allegations exonerated himself, explained that in “2023 the Ministry had a total budget of N13.6billion, the total release was N3.4billion, translating to 25 percent, budget utilization N3.4billion, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2billion”.
Also, the Director of Finance of the ministry, Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu told the committee that he only complies with official directives from his superiors, saying the records are available.
“The individual contractors have their files, it can be traced, as at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote,” he said.
It was gathered that the office of the Accountant General of the federation revealed that the said N1.5 billion has been released to the ministry.
Meanwhile, the committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye to appear on Tuesday.
