The Nigerian House of Representatives has queried Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye over the expenditure of N45 million on a New Year party, N20 million on sanitary pads, and N1.5 million on vehicle fuel, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation. The hearing aimed to uncover the truth behind these expenditures and address the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors, despite the release of funds in Abuja.
“We are here to investigate these expenditures, not to witch-hunt the Minister and the ministry’s officials,” stated Hon. Ogbara during the session.
The committee also investigated the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor payments following a petition from contractors. Additionally, they sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the N1.5 billion designated for contractor payments.
Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye denied all allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors. However, the ministry’s procurement officer confirmed the contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged that only approved contracts had been paid.
In a previous sitting, the committee summoned the minister to explain the non-payment rationale. They have since ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the funds for the said contracts are determined.
