The National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), yesterday faulted media reports linking Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Betty Edu, to alleged misappropriation of funds in the agency.
Spokesman for NSIPA, Jamaludeen Kabir,said claims of the minister’s involvement in financial transactions or decisions in the agency were false.
However, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) denied processing the alleged payment of N585m from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation into a private account.
It said it was not its responsibility to make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Kabir who spoke against the background of the suspension of the National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu and the investigation of the agency’s finances said: “It is crucial to emphasize that the Honourable Minister has had no involvement in any financial transactions or decisions within NSIPA currently under scrutiny.
“Importantly, NSIPA emphasizes the distinction between the suspended National Coordinator/CEO and the agency itself, highlighting that the actions of the former do not reflect the agency’s practices or principles. NSIPA is actively cooperating and working under the guidance of the acting National Coordinator and CEO, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, demonstrating full support and collaboration within the agency.
“The integrity and commitment of NSIPA to serving vulnerable communities in Nigeria remain steadfast. The agency operates with strict adherence to due process and prudent financial management in line with the regulations outlined in our establishment act and directives of the Federal Executive Council.
“It is paramount to ensure the dissemination of accurate information and avoid spreading baseless allegations that could unfairly tarnish the reputation of individuals or institutions. NSIPA urges the public and media outlets to verify facts before making assertions and refrain from associating the Honourable Minister with the ongoing investigations, as she holds no responsibility for the current circumstances at NSIPA.
“The agency remains steadfast in its dedication to implementing impactful and transparent social intervention programs aimed at uplifting vulnerable Nigerians and furthering the nation’s socio-economic development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.”
AGF declines request for payment into private account
In its own statement, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) denied processing the alleged payment of N585m from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation into a private account.
It said it was not its responsibility to make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Edu had been accused of authorizing the payment into the personal account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola contrary to the advice of the OAGF.
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, said in a clarification that her office only disburses budgeted funds to self-accounting MDAs, which have the responsibility for implementing their projects and managing associated financial transactions.
On the Ministry’s request for grant payments, Dr. Madein explained that while the OAGF received the communication, it did not process the payment. Instead, the Ministry was advised on the proper procedures for disbursing such funds according to established financial regulations.
The AGF said that self-accounting MDAs, like the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, should handle such payments directly.
“Bulk payments to individual accounts, even designated as ‘Project Accountant’ are not permitted. Instead, verified individual bank accounts of programme beneficiaries must receive the allocated funds,” she said.
Dr. Madein reiterated her commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in the management of public finances. She urged all MDAs to ensure strict adherence to established financial procedures and proper documentation for all transactions.
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Edu ,Rasheed Zubair, had said on Friday that the payment of N585,189,500.00 into the personal account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola adhered to current civil service regulations and was legally permissible.
He argued that the money was paid into Bridget’s account because of her position as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
He said: “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the federal government attention to the ongoing N44.8 Billion fraud in NSIPA.”
On December 20, 2023, Edu, requested the OAGF to disburse a total of N585,189,500 for the “Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups” in four states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states. The request specified the individual bank account as the recipient, which prompted the OAGF’s response and emphasis on proper procedures.
