Reps Committee Quizzes Women Affairs Minister Over 1.5bn Contract Debt

The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has interrogated the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors despite the availability of funds.

The committee was investigating the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor payments, following a petition from contractors.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mrs Kafilat Ogbara said that the hearing aims to uncover the truth and not witch-hunt.

The committee questioned the minister about unrelated expenditures, including the N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and N1.5 million for vehicle fuel.

They also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.

Rep. Ogbara inquired from the minister on what was budgeted for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office and whether it was released to the account of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

A member of the committee, Marie Ebikake, accused the minister of sidelining ministry staff, stating,

“Fortunately, I attended the last meeting, and one of the reasons why we took you on oath was to get the truth from you, and today you have deviated.”

However, before she could finish, the minister Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye strongly denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.

The expressed her frustration on the accusations made by the committee.

The hearing soon devolved into a shouting match, with accusations flying between the committee members and the minister.

The intense back-and-forth led the committee to adjourn the hearing indefinitely.

In a major move, the committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women Affairs until the whereabouts of the funds for the said contracts are determined.

The committee had previously summoned the minister to explain the rationale behind the non-payment of funds to contractors.

Emmanuel Ukoh