HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ORDERS STOPPAGE OF CONTRACT PROCESS IN MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS 05-07-24
By Sadiq Aminu The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs has ordered the ministry of Women Affairs to stop all contract process in 2024, until the issue of N1.5billion meant for the payment of contractors but was allegedly diverted by principal officers of ministry is resolved.
The directive by the House followed a petition by contractors of the ministry to the House of Representatives over none payment of contracts executed running into billions of Naira.
The chairman House committee Women Affairs, Mrs Kafilat Ogbara alluded that the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5bn being funds for old contractors.
Mrs Ogbara added that the ministry while owing contractors, awarded fresh contract in 15 states of the federation, similarly not captured in the 2023 appropriation.
“Money for contractors have not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors” She asked?
She said there is an ongoing probe of the ministry by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on overhead release of November/December, 2023 to the tune of N1.5bn.
The petitioners, according to Ogbara also alleged that the ministry purchased 7 tricycles for a military Barack in Abuja, an allegation a procurement officer of the ministry denied.
Responding to some of the allegations, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda who exonerated himself, explained that in “2023 the Ministry had total budget of N13.6billion, total release was N3.4billion, translating to 25 percent, budget utilization N3.4billion, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2billion”.
The Director of Finance of the ministry, Mr. Aloy Ifeakandu told the committee that he only comply with official directives from his superiors, saying the records are available.
“The individual contractors have their files, it can be traced, as at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote.”
Amidst the controversy, correspondence from the office of the Accountant General of the federation revealed that the said N1.5 billion has been released to the ministry.
Meanwhile, the committee has summoned the minister of women affairs Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye to appear on Tuesday.