KEY POINTS

• House of Representatives launches investigation into the use of take-off grants and bailout funds.

• OAGF given two weeks to submit disbursement details for scrutiny.

• Committee aims to promote good governance and accountability across Nigerian institutions.

The House of Representatives on Thursday launched an investigation into the utilization of take-off grants, bailout funds, and other special interventions allocated to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), government institutions, and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) from 2015 to date.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee has given the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) a two-week deadline to submit detailed information on disbursements to various government agencies.

Public concern over mismanagement and lack of accountability

According to Vanguard, the Minority Leader, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, moved a motion of urgent public importance on March 6, 2025, which led to the formation of the Special Committee. Chinda raised concerns over persistent allegations of mismanagement and diversion of billions of naira allocated to government-owned institutions.

At the inauguration of the Special Committee, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the probe as a crucial step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Abbas emphasised the importance of prudent management of limited public resources, especially given Nigeria’s pressing development needs.

Abbas said, “Those entrusted with these funds must uphold the sacred trust of public office and avoid compromising their responsibilities.”

Committee tasked with promoting good governance and accountability

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Chinedu Martins (PDP, Imo), has been tasked with scrutinising the allocation processes. It will evaluate the impact of the interventions, identify potential misuse, and recommend sanctions where appropriate.

“We aim to promote good governance, enhance accountability in public service, and strengthen our democratic institutions,” Abbas said.

He assured the public that the outcome of the probe would be made public and would not be buried.

Among those who appeared before the Committee were representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Federal Ministry of Health, among others.

Investigations and extensions for detailed reports

The Acting Director of Development Finance at CBN, Mr. John Hammah, pledged support for the investigation. He requested more time to gather data. The Committee granted the CBN a two-week extension, with Governor Olayemi Cardoso scheduled to appear before the Committee on May 2, 2025.

Mr. James Abalaka, representing the OAGF, also received a two-week deadline to submit a detailed breakdown of disbursements to government agencies.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was also present. The Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Muhammad Hammajoda, requested a formal report outlining the disbursement amounts, recipients, and purposes.

Representing the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Olatunde Makinde, Deputy Director of Accounts, requested more time to collect data from health institutions.

Final remarks on transparency and accountability

Chairman Martins reiterated the Committee’s goal of ensuring accountability. He stated, “We must account for every naira. The Nigerian people deserve to know how these public funds were spent.”

The Committee’s investigation will cover disbursements from 2015 to 2024 across MDAs, institutions, and GOEs nationwide.