The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.57 billion meant for the payment of contractors by principal officers of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, on Friday ordered Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, the Minister of Women Affairs to stop all contract processes in 2024, till the outcome of the probe.
Kennedy-Ohaneye is to appear before the committee on Tuesday July 9, 2024, to provide more insights into the subject of investigation.
The committee’s decision followed the petition received from contractors of the ministry over non-payment of executed contracts.
Aloy Ifeakandu, the Director of Finance in the ministry, at the investigative hearing, told the committee that he had only complied with official directives from his superiors.
Kafilat Ogbara, the committee’s chairman, explained that the ministry initiated new contracts that were not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion funds meant for the old contractors.
“While owing contractors, the ministry went further to award a new contract in 15 states that were not also captured in the 2023 appropriation. Money for contractors has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors? ” she queried.
Diversion of N1.5bn: Reps summon Women Affairs Minister Kennedy-Ohaneye