Reps Launch Probe Into ₦1.06 Trillion NG-Cares Programme

The House of Representatives Committee on NG-CARES has opened a full investigation into the implementation of the $696 million (₦1.06 trillion) Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus programme, following concerns that its impact is not being felt by intended beneficiaries.

Speaking in Abuja after a committee meeting on Wednesday, Chairman Abubakar Kusada said the probe became necessary after observing that “the masses were not feeling the impact of the palliatives and safety nets” despite the Federal Government releasing funds, providing guidelines, and setting up operational frameworks for the initiative.

“A total of $696 million or ₦1.06 trillion has been released as social intervention, safety nets, and palliatives, to Nigerians in the 36 states and the FCT, through the various delivery platforms,” Kusada stated. “It is therefore most surprising that the effect of these palliatives is not being felt by the target vulnerable groups in Nigeria after the government has committed so many resources to this purpose through the states.”

He noted that the committee, exercising its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, would “commence immediate and full investigation of the NG-CARES programme to unravel the disconnect and ascertain the propriety of expenditure of the huge sums provided by the government.”

Kusada listed key questions the probe would address: “Were the funds embezzled? Were the funds misappropriated or diverted to serve other purposes in the state? Did the utilisation of the funds create enough value for money? Was there an undue inflation of contracts? Can the integrity and fairness of the procurement process stand scrutiny? Was the distribution of notional amounts fairly done? Why did some states manage to get more than the attributable notional amounts?”

The lawmaker expressed concern that “several states have claimed billions for social transfer” and stressed that these beneficiaries “are Nigerians who can be reached.” He warned that if fake names were used to claim benefits, “we will say so.”

He further revealed that billions had been collected by states for agricultural inputs and services, labour-intensive agricultural infrastructure, procurement of agricultural assets, and the upgrading of markets and storage facilities. “If we verify these claims, we will also disclose the impact they have had on food supply, food prices, and the plight of ordinary Nigerians. If we are unable to verify the claims, we will name and shame the affected states,” Kusada vowed.

“If the funds have been diverted, the affected states should restore the funds and utilise them properly. If there has been gross mismanagement, the people will know that the funds for palliatives have been misused, and who to hold responsible. If the procurement process has been abused, then the BPP and anti-graft agencies have their work cut out for them,” he concluded.