The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has invited the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to explain the delay in the inauguration of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) board.

The invitation followed a petition by Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and Advancement of Social Justice and Economic Development Initiative (ASJEDI) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The committee chairman, Rep. Mike Etabo (APC-Cross River), said the minister should appear in person to answer the petition.

Mr Etabo also said the managing director of NSITF, Faleye Mayomi, should also appear to answer to the alleged violation of its project clearance regulations.

He said the petitioners wanted the agency to explain some of their actions, which they claimed were at variance with their mandate.

The lawmaker said the petitioners claimed that President Bola Tinubu had appointed a managing director for the fund but had yet to name and inaugurate the board several months after.

Mr Etabo said the petitioners believed this was an aberration, as the absence of the board gave way to a wide range of illegalities in running the organisation’s affairs.

“Ours is to serve Nigerians efficiently and ensure the right thing is done always. Inviting the CEO is for him to throw more light on the issues at hand.

“Government is being indicted, so it is only logical that the minister clears the air on the matter,” he said.

(NAN)