The House of Representatives Committee on NG-CARES has commenced an investigation into the implementation of the N1.06 trillion social intervention programme, citing concerns that Nigerians are not feeling the impact.
According to the Committee Chairman, Abubakar Kusada, the probe is necessary to unravel the disconnect between the huge sums provided by the government and the lack of impact on the target vulnerable groups.
The investigation will focus on several issues, including alleged embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of funds, as well as the propriety of expenditure and value for money.
The Committee will also examine the integrity and fairness of the procurement process, the effectiveness of inbuilt safeguards, and the distribution of notional amounts and operational mechanisms.
He said “A total of $696 million or N1.06 trillion has been released as social intervention, safety nets and palliatives, to Nigerians in the 36 States and the FCT, through the various Delivery Platforms.
“It is therefore most surprising that the effect of these palliatives is not being felt by the target vulnerable groups in Nigeria after government has committed so much resources to this purpose through the States.
“Were the funds embezzled?
Were the funds misappropriated or diverted to serve other purposes in the state? Did the utilisation of the funds create enough value for money (VFM). In other words, was there an undue inflation of contracts?
Can the integrity and fairness of the procurement process stand scrutiny? In other words, did the contract procurement follow due process?”
Kusada stated that the Committee aims to provide answers to these questions and determine whether the funds were properly utilized to provide social safety nets for vulnerable Nigerians.
The probe comes amid concerns that several states have claimed billions of naira for social transfer, agricultural inputs, and other interventions, but the impact on food supply, food prices, and the plight of ordinary Nigerians is not evident.
The Committee has vowed to verify the claims, name and shame affected states if necessary, and insist that the right thing be done.
