By Comfort Olayinka
The House committee on Women Affairs and Social Development is investigating a petition by contractors of the ministry over non-payment of contracts executed worth billions of Naira.
The contractors alleged that principal officers of the ministry diverted N1.5 billion meant for payment of contractors. The committee is probing the allegation and has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on Tuesday.
During an interactive session with the committee, the Director of Finance, Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu, claimed he only followed official directives from his superiors and that records are available. However, the committee chairman, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, alleged that the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted funds meant for old contractors.
The committee also discovered that the ministry awarded fresh contracts in 15 states not captured in the 2023 appropriation, despite owing contractors. This has raised questions about the ministry’s prioritization and management of funds.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is also investigating the ministry’s overhead release of N1.5 billion in November and December 2023. The committee is working to uncover the truth behind the alleged diversion of funds and ensure accountability in the ministry.
Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, explained that the ministry had a total budget of N13.6 billion in 2023, with a total release of N3.4 billion, translating to 25 percent budget utilization. However, the DFA, Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu, claimed he was not aware of what happened before he resumed in September 2023.
The committee expressed determination to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that contractors are paid for their services as petitioners alleged that despite the release of N1.5 billion, no payment has been made, and the minister ordered the permanent secretary not to pay any contractors.
“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.
Amidst the controversy, correspondence from the office of the Accountant General of the federation revealed that the said N1.5 billion has been released to the ministry.
“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 said.
The committee has summoned the minister of women affairs and social development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye to appear on Tuesday.
“We are giving till Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to”.
The committee ordered the ministry to stop all contract process in 2024, “until we resolve this matter”.
The committee demanded to see the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.
“We want to see the account and documents” Ogbara added.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, the committee has summoned the minister of women affairs and social development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye to appear on Tuesday.
“We are giving till Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to”.
The committee also ordered the ministry to stop all contract process in 2024, “until we resolve this matter”.
They also sought to see the special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.
“We want to see the account and documents” Ogbara added.
