…says over N1.06trn spend without transparency
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, Yahaya Kusada has vowed to carry out full-scale investigation on the programme inorder to determine why billions of naira failed to significantly reach vulnerable groups.
Kusada, who disclosed this Wednesday during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, also vowed his committee’s readiness to name and shame all persons and states involved in the alleged shady deals.
While urging the support of critical stakeholders to execute his mandate, the committee lamented that several trillions of naira have been expended on the initiative with no tangible, positive impact.
According to the panel, the investigation followed growing public outcry over the persistent hardship caused by the recent economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
He informed that NG-CARES programme was established in order to cushion the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent policy changes by the federal government in collaboration with the World Bank credit.
The panel noted that the initiative is currently in its first four-year phase and is set to end by December.
It was gathered that it has so far dispensed approximately $696 million which is equivalent to N1.06trillion, maintaining that so far, it has released same to states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for distribution through various delivery platforms which include: CSDP, FADAMA, SOCU, YESSO, SEEFOR, and GEEP among others.
It also explained the scale of the investment by the initiative, even as there is a “clear disconnect” between the funds disbursed and the intended relief for vulnerable citizens.
The panel also vowed to use its legislative powers as provided by relevant sections to investigate claims made by states on the money spent on social transfers, agricultural inputs, infrastructure, as well as the support for micro and small enterprises.
“If these funds have been used correctly, Nigerians should know where to find the relief promised. If not, the states involved must be held accountable,” the committee chairman said.
The lawmakers warned Nigerians who may perceive that the probe is a witch-hunt on some people or the region, adding that it is nothing but a legislative move to restore public trust and ensure transparency fund management.
On measures to ensure that the mandate given to his committee is transparently utilised, the chairman disclosed his readiness to examine the disparities in fund allocation among states, as well as the operational failures of delivery platforms and the fictitious beneficiaries used to siphon funds.
He, therefore, pledged his commitment to ensure that all those involved in the alleged shady deals no matter the position, region and political affiliation are named and shamed to serve as deterrents for posterity.
The panel disclosed readiness to publish the names of states that cannot verify their claims, even as he promised to engage anti-corruption agencies in cases relating to manipulation and procurement abuse or outright mismanagement of funds.
According to Kusada, all states found guilty of diversion of the money must be forced to effect immediate refund to government or channel same for its intended purpose as soon as possible.
He assured that his committee through the House will establish a clear link between the federal resources allocated for social safety nets and the real-life impact felt by vulnerable Nigerians.
The panel equally promised to effect progressive change inorder to ensure that funds are prudently managed and spent only for the purpose it was meant for.
