Reps grill minister over N45m expenses on new year’s party, unpaid N1.5bln to contactor

The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to explain various unrelated expenses, including N45 million for the New Year’s party, N20 million for sanitary products, and N1.5 million for vehicle fuel.

Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, led a probe into the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors despite funds released to the ministry.

Ogbara said the investigative hearing aimed to uncover the facts rather than target the minister and ministry officials with accusations.

A petition from contractors prompted the committee to launch an inquiry into the alleged misdirection of funds intended for contractor payments.

Additionally, the committee sought explanations regarding the use of funds allocated for the African First Lady’s initiative and the current status of the N1.5 billion designated for contractor payments, which remains unaccounted for.

The minister, however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.

The procurement officer corroborated the contractors’ allegations, while the Director of Finance and Administration admitted to only having made payments on contracts that had received official approval.

Persecondnews recalls that at its last sitting, the committee summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment.

The committee directed the ministry to halt all 2024 contract procedures until the investigation clarifies the disposition of funds allocated for the aforementioned contracts.