EduGate: New Document Reveals Attempt to Illegally Warehouse Over N65 Billion NSIPA Funds
By Kabir Akintayo
The controversy surrounding the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, deepens as a new document surfaces, indicating an attempt to unlawfully transfer the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA) funds exceeding N65 billion.
Edu, who previously faced scrutiny over directing unauthorized payments to private accounts, is now implicated in another scheme involving the illegal warehousing of ministry funds.
In a document released to POLITICS DIGEST titled ‘Warehousing of Unspent Balance Fund from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation NSIP Account (NSIO) for Year 2023 Financial Year,’ and addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, contained the amount of ‘N66,328,891,947.58, N65,828,891,947.58 and N500,000,000.00 requested by Edu.
“The NSIPA is facing some challenge in disbursing and processing payment to our beneficiaries and considering the year is coming to an end by 31″ December, 2023; we have balances in various accounts as follows,
1) NSIO/ Special Intervention 0020208461637 (CBN): N65,828,891,947.58
2) NSIO 0020208461077 (CBN): N500,000,000.00.
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“Sequel to the above, we crave the indulgence of the Accountant General of the Federation to kindly warehouse the Funds above to enable us discharge our obligations and pay all our expenditure accordingly, as we already have approvals from the President to implement,” Edu said.
Meanwhile, sources within the ministry disclosed Edu’s alleged pattern of misappropriating NSIPA, funds, bypassing established protocols and regulations.
Violations of the NSIPA, Establishment Act of 2023 are cited, highlighting Edu’s disregard for legal frameworks governing the management of government funds.
Recent revelations suggest Edu’s presence at the Accountant General’s Office during late hours, pushing for unauthorized transactions, raising concerns of financial misconduct.
Despite her suspension by President Tinubu and ongoing investigations, Edu is reportedly embroiled in further controversies, indicating a lack of adherence to due process and accountability.
Calls for accountability grow louder as allegations against Edu continue to emerge, fueling public outrage and demands for swift action.
The document in question exposes Edu’s alleged involvement in diverting funds earmarked for assisting vulnerable Nigerians, undermining the integrity of social investment programs.
On the other hands, concerns are raised over the presence of individuals illegally appointed by Edu within NSIPA, potentially jeopardizing the effective implementation of social welfare initiatives.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders emphasize the urgency of rectifying irregularities within the ministry to safeguard public funds and uphold transparency and accountability.
