The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear before them on July 9, 2024, to address allegations of diverting approximately N1.5 billion intended for contractor payments.
The committee chair, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, directed that the minister bring relevant documents to explain the missing funds and to clarify the details of a special account for the Chibok girls and the agreement with the American University of Nigeria for their training.
The summons follows a petition from contractors regarding unpaid bills for executed contracts. The committee also ordered a halt to all new contracts for 2024 until the issue is resolved. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is also investigating the alleged fund diversion.
The Permanent Secretary, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, and Director of Finance, Aloy Ifeakandu, provided initial responses, stating that the ministry’s 2023 budget was N13.6 billion, with a significant portion unreleased, and that they would provide records for review.
