DPR investigates alleged diversion of Rp1.5 billion in funds belonging to contractors at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment

The House of Representatives has decided to investigate the alleged diversion of Rp1.5 billion in funds intended for contractor payments by a key official of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment.

The House Committee on Women Affairs initiated an investigation in Abuja following a petition filed by contractors over non-payment of signed contracts.

The committee chairman, Kafilat Ogbara, said the ministry initiated new contracts not included in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion to old contractors.

He added that despite having contractors, the Ministry had awarded new contracts in 15 states that were not listed in the 2023 budget.

The lawmaker revealed that there is an ongoing investigation into the ministry by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the Rp1.5 billion overhead expenditure for November/December 2023.

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He said the petitioners also alleged that the ministry purchased seven tricycles for the military Barracks in Abuja.

Ogbara also revealed that his ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American University of Nigeria, Yola for the payment of school fees of the Chibok girls for seven years.

The committee in its resolution summoned the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on July 9.

The committee also ordered the ministry to stop all contracting processes for 2024 until the issue is resolved.

He also demanded a special account for the Chibok girls and an MoU.

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