A leaked letter dated December 20, 2023, obtained by TheCable, has raised concerns about a potential irregularity within Nigeria’s humanitarian affairs ministry. The document, signed by Minister Betta Edu, instructs the accountant-general of the federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to transfer N585,189,500 to the UBA account of an individual named Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
The purpose of the payment, as outlined in the letter’s title, is a “grant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states.” However, the direct transfer to a single individual’s account, bypassing established disbursement channels for such grants, has triggered questions about transparency and accountability.
According to the document, N219,429,750 was earmarked as “2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom state”, N73,828,750 was budgeted for Cross River state, N219,462,250 for Lagos state, and N72,468,750 for Ogun state.
The minister said the payment should be deducted from the account of the national investment office.
“I hereby approve the payment of the cumulative sum of N585,189,500. These are payments for programmes and activities of the Renewed Hope grant for Vulnerable Groups,” the letter reads.
Several aspects of the situation warrant closer scrutiny:
- Lack of Details: The letter provides limited information regarding the specific criteria used to select Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola as the beneficiary of this substantial grant. Additionally, the intended distribution of funds among the four mentioned states remains unclear.
- Circumventing Procedures: Bypassing established channels for grant disbursement raises concerns about potential irregularities in the selection process and potential misuse of funds. Transparency and adherence to established procedures are crucial to ensuring the integrity of such programs.
- Potential for Misappropriation: The substantial amount of money involved, combined with the lack of clear details, raises concerns about the potential for misappropriation of funds. Thorough investigation into the rationale behind the grant and its intended use is necessary to dispel any doubts.
The minister’s request has garnered significant attention and sparked public discourse regarding transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds for vulnerable groups. The onus now falls on the ministry to provide a comprehensive explanation for the requested payment, including details about the selection process, the intended distribution of funds within the mentioned states, and assurances of transparency throughout the process.
