The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the N1.5 billion meant for paying contractors but allegedly diverted by the ministry of women affairs principal officers.

The House Committee on Women Affairs commenced the probe in Abuja against the backdrop of petitions by contractors over non-payment of contracts executed.

Kafilat Ogbara, chairwoman of the committee, said that the ministry initiated new contracts not captured in the 2023 budget and diverted N1.5 billion of funds for old contractors.

She added that the ministry, while owing contractors, awarded fresh contracts in 15 states of the federation, which she alleged was not captured in the 2023 appropriation.

“Money for contractors has not been paid, and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?” said Ms Ogbara.

She said there is an ongoing probe of the ministry by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the overhead release of November-December 2023 to the tune of N1.5 billion.

According to Mr Ogbara, the petitioners also alleged that the ministry purchased seven tricycles for a military Barrack in Abuja. She stated that the ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American University of Nigeria, Yola, to pay Chibok girls’ school fees for seven years.

Aloy Ifeakandu, the director of finance and administration in the ministry, said he only complied with official directives from his superiors, saying the records are available.

He said, “I resumed at the ministry in September 2023. I wouldn’t know what happened before I came. The individual contractors have their files. It can be traced, as at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote.”

Gabriel Aduda, permanent secretary, in the ministry, exonerated himself, saying, “In 2023, we had a total budget of N13.6 billion, while the total release was N3.4 billion.”

According to him, this translates to 25 per cent budget utilisation, while unreleased balance stood at N10.2 billion.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation revealed that N1.5 billion had been released to the ministry.

Meanwhile, the committee summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear on July 9.

The committee also ordered the ministry to stop all contract processes in 2024 “until the matter is resolved” while demanding a special account for the Chibok girls and the MoU.

(NAN)