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.
