The House of Representatives has commenced an investigative hearing on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds expended between 2020 and 2022. Organized by the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the hearings are scheduled from January 17 to January 26, 2024, at the National Assembly Complex.

In a communication, Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, highlighted that fifty-nine (59) Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals of the Government have been issued notices to appear before the Committee. These include the Accountant-General of the Federation, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and others.

Representatives from each MDA, including the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Finance, Head of Procurement, and officers familiar with the expenditures of the COVID-19 Intervention Funds, are expected to appear. The communication emphasized that failure to comply with the invitation may lead to the Committee resolving the issues raised against the respective offices and medical institutions.

The investigation was initiated following a resolution by the House in October 2023, prompted by a motion presented by Rep. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa. The motion highlighted concerns about the diversion and unaccountability of significant funds allocated for COVID-19 palliatives and international donations by various government agencies. The House mandated the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the expenditure of COVID-19 intervention funds and report back for further legislative action.

The National Assembly has increased the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Works from the proposed N657.3 billion to N1.03 trillion. This substantial increase, representing a 56.7% rise from the initial figure in the appropriation bill, aims to bolster the ministry’s efforts in repairing and maintaining over 33,000 kilometers of federal government roads across the country.

The approved budget revealed a significant elevation of the capital budget from N617.9 billion to N987.3 billion, with the addition of several capital projects. Key projects include the construction of Lafia road and dualization of the 9th Mile (Enugu) Otukpo-Makurdi (Keffi Phase II) road, Ota-Idiroko road sections one to three, Iyin-Ilawe Ekiti road sections one to three, and rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt road sections two and four.

Additionally, the budget endorses funds for projects such as the dualization of Benin-Ilesha road, construction of Malando-Garin-Baka-Ngaski-Wara road in Kebbi State, Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Kala road in Kebbi State, Aba-Ikot Ekpene road dualization, repair of Iganmu bridge, and rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway Section.

The Ministry of Works also received approval for N3.35 billion to purchase vehicles for consultants and security supervision.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, had advocated for an increased budget during the defense session, aiming for approximately N1.5 trillion to complete critical roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones. Umahi’s call aligns with his commitment to revolutionize road construction in Nigeria, setting a target for contractors to complete 150 km of roads in each state and the Federal Capital Territory in 2024. The increased budget allocation raises expectations for tangible improvements in Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

In a recent interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Femi Adesina, former presidential spokesman, staunchly defended former President Muhammadu Buhari against accusations of being a bigot or nepotist, asserting that those labeling him as such lack a true understanding of his character.

Adesina, who recently launched the book ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023),’ emphasized the necessity of the book to provide insights into the real Muhammadu Buhari, countering various perspectives and narratives circulating about the former president.

He portrayed Buhari as a patriot with a deep love for Nigeria and a fair-minded individual. Adesina disputed claims of religious bias, recounting an instance when Buhari, despite not being President at the time, attended a Christian program in Lagos after being personally invited.

Addressing accusations of nepotism, Adesina defended Buhari’s inclusive approach, stating, “A man who will never seek to impose his own religion on you and will respect your own religion.” He shared a personal anecdote about Buhari attending a worship house of a different religion, challenging the notion that he is a religious bigot.

The former presidential spokesman urged a nuanced understanding of Buhari’s actions, suggesting that those quick to label him may not be fully acquainted with his genuine intentions and commitment to national unity.

In a concerning turn of events, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation faces intense scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, threatening the efficacy of social investment schemes aimed at aiding the underprivileged.

Anti-corruption agencies are currently investigating the Ministry, particularly the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which oversees critical initiatives such as the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

Amid the allegations, experts commend President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the programs, calling for a comprehensive overhaul. Dr. Sam Nzekwe, former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “The social programs must be stopped and overhauled to stop this massive looting.”

The unfolding probe has implicated key figures, including the National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, who was arrested over an alleged N37.1bn fraud during the tenure of former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk. President Tinubu’s suspension of Minister Betta Edu, following an alleged N585m scandal, further intensifies the crisis.

Analysts argue that the suspension is insufficient, urging for the complete scrapping of social investment programs. Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, emphasized, “All programs under NSIPA have had little or no benefit on Nigerians and should be scrapped completely.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the APC of exploiting the humanitarian ministry, calling for a reevaluation of the poverty alleviation approach. Nzekwe echoed these sentiments, suggesting a shift towards job creation rather than cash distribution.

President Tinubu, responding to the ongoing investigations, suspended all administered social investment programs by NSIPA on January 12, 2024. The decision, announced by the Director of Information, Segun Imohiosen, cites the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programs.”

Despite the allocation of over N2tn from 2020 to 2024, concerns arise over the impact of the funds, with Gillis-Harry asserting that the trillions invested by the Federal Government in the ministry have not yielded meaningful results.

As the nation grapples with these revelations, questions persist about the effectiveness and transparency of poverty alleviation initiatives, and calls for a more accountable and result-oriented approach gain momentum.