Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on Monday, accused the Muhammadu Buhari administration of mismanaging the first tranche of a $500 million World Bank loan aimed at empowering women in Nigeria.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who spoke on Arise Television’s Morning Show, alleged that the initial $100 million released for the Nigeria Project For Women was not put to good use by the last administration.
The loans, aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerian women, were reportedly used primarily for advocacy, meetings, and consultation services, with little transparency and accountability in their distribution between states.
The minister stressed that the project, which was launched in 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory, failed to provide the intended benefits to vulnerable women.
She said: “On the Nigeria For Women Project, let me first tell Nigerian women to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which comes after the first $100 million was released.
“When he came to the office, he saw it with me and we were not satisfied with the use of the money.
“I emphasize, this is not a grant, this is a loan and when money is given as a loan, it must be managed well so that the money can be returned. If we don’t manage it well, how will we repay the loan?
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“When money is a loan, we hope that whoever is given the loan can use it properly so that the money can be paid back, so that Nigeria will not remain in debt.
“So, the first $100 million, when I came in, I was less than satisfied. This is inconsistent with Renewed Hope’s agenda.
“It’s mainly for advocacy, meetings and consultations, and that’s it and they divide it up to the states. But remember, this project is called the Nigeria For Women Project. It should be meant to be projects for women, but that’s not the case.”
The Minister expressed concern over the mismanagement of loans, and stressed the need for proper utilization to ensure repayment.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing the issue and working to address it.
The allegations raise questions about the Buhari administration’s handling of loans and its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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