Women Affairs Ministry: House of Representatives Probes Alleged Diversion of N1.5bn Contract Fees, Summons Minister

The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has launched a probe into an alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for contract fees by Principal Officers of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The investigation follows a petition from contractors who worked for the Ministry, alleging that they were denied payment for completed projects despite the release of funds by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), commenced an investigative hearing on Thursday, at the National Assembly Complex, aimed at uncovering the truth behind the alleged diversion. Consequently, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has been summoned to appear before the Committee on Tuesday, to provide explanations on the matter.

Complaints by the petitioners include: That the Ministry of Women Affairs denied them mobilisation to site and failed to pay fees after contract execution, despite issuing Certificates of Completion. They also claim that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed the release of N1.5 billion funding for the contracts to the Ministry. Additionally, the petitioners allege that the Ministry misused funds by purchasing seven tricycles for a Military Barrack in Abuja, raising concerns about the diversion of resources intended for contract payments.

“Since the minister came on board, no payment has been made, the Permanent Secretary said the Minister ordered him not to pay any contractor” the petitioners stated.

In her remarks, Committee Chairperson Rep. Ogbara expressed concern over the Ministry’s decision to award new contracts in 15 states, without first settling outstanding payments to existing contractors totaling N1.5 billion. She emphasised that these new contracts were not included in the 2023 Appropriation Act, and the Committee is determined to investigate and recover any diverted funds.

“Money for contractors have not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors” Rep. Ogbara inquired.

According to the Committee Chairperson, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is also conducting a separate investigation into the Ministry’s alleged mismanagement of N1.5 billion in overhead funds released in November and December 2023.

In response to the allegations, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, clarified that out of the total budget of N13.6 billion, only N3.4 billion (25%) has been released, with an outstanding balance of N10.2 billion yet to be disbursed.

“2023, we had a total budget of N13.6 billion, the total release was N3.4 billion, translating to 25 percent budget utilisation, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2 billion,” he disclosed.

Similarly, Aloy Ifeakandu, the Director of Finance at the Ministry, testified that he acted in accordance with official instructions from his superiors, and that all relevant records are available for scrutiny. He also clarified that, having assumed his role in September 2023, he could not be held responsible for events preceding his tenure.

“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.

Furthermore, the Committee has ordered a suspension of all contract implementation processes in the 2024 budget until the allegations of N1.5 billion diversion are thoroughly investigated and resolved, in addition to summoning the Minister to appear before it.

“We are giving till Tuesday for the Ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to,” Rep. Ogbara directed.

Additionally, the Committee has instructed the Ministry of Women Affairs to provide detailed information about the Special Account established for the Chibok Girls, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, regarding the payment of tuition fees for the Chibok girls’ seven-year scholarship programme.

“We want to see the account and documents,” the Committee Chairperson added.

In accordance with its constitutional mandate as stipulated in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the 10th House of Representatives is steadfast in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and probity in the activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

As a responsive and responsible parliament, the House is dedicated to holding the government accountable, exposing corruption, and ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilised efficiently and effectively. Through enhanced legislative oversight, the House will continue to guarantee value for money and ensure the effective functioning of government.
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