Nigeria: Memo reveals presidential approval of N3b for verification of national social register, sparks investigation
In a memo disclosed by Nigeria’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu sanctioned the disbursal of 3 Billion Naira from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund to the now-suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, for the verification of National Social Register for humanitarian affairs.
The fund, allocated for cash transfers and social investment programs, triggered a probe by presidential investigators and anti-graft agencies due to controversial contracts awarded by Edu. The letter dated September 18 conveyed the presidential approval.
Contracts from the N3 Billion were awarded to various firms, including one owned by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, receiving N438.1 million for consultancy services.
The list of beneficiaries, as revealed by Jackson Ude, a social critic based in the United States of America, also features companies like Fabunmi Olanipekun & Co., Vintsolve Global Consult, Periscope Consulting, Blue Trend Enterprise, Laitop Dynamics Interlink Services, Memak Nigeria Limited, MC Van Management Consult Limited, and Danzinger Nigeria Limited, all raising concerns about transparency and legitimacy.
SaharaReporters uncovered how Edu directed public funds, including N585,198,500.00, into a private account managed by Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
The embattled minister, who has been suspended, is facing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial impropriety.
