Aduda, finance director plead innocence as Reps probe N1.5bn allegedly diverted by top civil servants

The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion, intended for contractor payments, by key civil servants within the Ministry of Women Affairs.

This inquiry was triggered by multiple petitions from contractors who claimed they were not paid for completed projects.

The House Committee on Women Affairs began the probe in Abuja, with Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, the committee’s chairperson, noting that the ministry had launched new projects not included in the 2023 budget, diverting funds allocated for previous contractors.

Ogbara pointed out that despite owing contractors, the ministry had awarded new contracts across 15 states, none of which were part of the 2023 financial plan. “Money for contractors has not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?” she questioned.

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She also highlighted an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) into the ministry’s overhead expenditures for November and December 2023, amounting to N1.5 billion.

Contractors have further accused the ministry of purchasing seven tricycles for a military barracks in Abuja and signing a seven-year agreement with the American University of Nigeria in Yola to cover school fees for the Chibok girls.

Aloy Ifeakandu, the ministry’s Director of Finance and Administration, claimed adherence to directives from his superiors, stating, “I resumed at the ministry in September 2023; I wouldn’t know what happened before I came. The individual contractors have their files; it can be traced. As at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote.”

Permanent Secretary Gabriel Aduda distanced himself from the allegations, explaining that the ministry had a total budget of N13.6 billion for 2023, of which only N3.4 billion was released. This represents just 25 percent of the budget, leaving an unreleased balance of N10.2 billion. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation confirmed the release of the disputed N1.5 billion to the ministry.

In response, the committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on Tuesday, July 9. Additionally, the committee ordered the ministry to halt all contract processes in 2024 until the issue is resolved and demanded details of the special account for the Chibok girls and the memorandum of understanding.