Amidst mounting controversy, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is in the spotlight over the disbursement of N585.18 million grant intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states.
A leaked document, signed by Minister Bertha Edu, had surfaced on social media, revealing the allocation of the grant to the personal account of Oniyelu Bridget, the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
Reacting, the ministry has swiftly defended its actions, asserting that the disbursement adhered to established due process. It emphasized that Oniyelu Bridget, as the Project Accountant, was entitled to manage the funds in compliance with civil service regulations.
The leaked document, labeled as a memo to the Accountant-General of the Federation, sought approval for the payment of the N585 million grant, with allocations specified for Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos.
The ministry clarified that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is a social intervention scheme of the federal government, implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Assuring the public that the leaked document was a legitimate communication seeking approval for the disbursement.
Amid recent financial scandals involving the National Social Investment Programme Agency, questions arise about the transparency and accountability of public funds. The ministry’s defense also aims to quell concerns and uphold the integrity of the disbursement process for the N585 million grant designated for vulnerable groups.
It was also noted that as scrutiny intensifies, the focus of the ministry remain accountability and transparency in the utilization of public funds, particularly given the backdrop of recent allegation within the National Social Investment Programme Agency, stating that the ministry finds itself under increasing pressure to address these concerns and maintain public trust in the handling of critical grants for vulnerable communities.
