From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the utilisation of grants, bailout funds, and special interventions disbursed to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Government-Owned Enterprises (GEOs), from 2015 to date.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration of a special committee mandated to carry out the probe.
Abbas said the objective of the investigation is to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, stressing that the current economic realities demand better fiscal discipline from government institutions.
“There are several developmental challenges confronting the country, largely owing to paucity of funds. That is why prudent utilisation of available resources is not just necessary but imperative,” he said.
The speaker explained that the Federal Government, over the years, had extended special financial interventions, such as bailout grants, take-off grants and other forms of support to MDAs and GEOs, aimed at bridging funding gaps and accelerating development.
However, there have been growing concerns over how these funds were utilised. The House had in March constituted the special panel following allegations of diversion and mismanagement of these interventions, especially by newly established agencies and some existing ones.
“These interventions were applauded by Nigerians as timely and crucial. But, these were humongous public funds that must be accounted for. Unfortunately, many of the beneficiaries are perceived to have neither justified the usage of the funds nor made required refunds stipulated in the terms of the grants,” Abbas noted.
According to the lawmakers, poor accountability in the management of the funds poses a significant drain on national resources—funds that could have been used to address key developmental needs in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the government to ensure the welfare and security of citizens.
While stressing that the investigation is not a witch-hunt, Abbas said it represents a chance to uphold due process and reaffirm the National Assembly’s oversight responsibility.
“It is only when we appreciate the dangers of poor resource management and its implications on our national image and economy that we can treat this issue as a national emergency with potential social and security consequences,” he added.
The special committee has been tasked with engaging relevant stakeholders, reviewing documentation and submitting findings that could aid reform and ensure improved accountability in the management of future interventions.