President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to investigate all financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The directive follows the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, who was in charge of the ministry, on Monday.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasized his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing Nigeria’s resources.
The President’s directive includes a comprehensive investigation into financial transactions of agencies under the Ministry. Dr. Edu, who faced criticism after a leaked memo revealed questionable fund transfers, is instructed to hand over her responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Additionally, Tinubu has tasked a panel, headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, with conducting a thorough diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of social investment programs. The goal is to implement reforms that address institutional shortcomings, ensuring the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and restoring public confidence in the initiative.
The directives take immediate effect as part of Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the principles of integrity and accountability in government affairs.