The House of Representatives Special Committee, tasked with investigating the use of take-off grants, bailout funds, and intervention allocations to government institutions, summoned key government bodies on Thursday to answer questions about their fund utilisation practices.
The session, which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja, is part of a wider investigation initiated following a resolution passed by the House on March 6, 2025.
A motion introduced by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda brought attention to concerns over alleged misappropriation and poor management of government intervention funds. Chinda emphasized the need for transparency, warning that ongoing claims of fund diversion and mismanagement — and the possible failure to use these funds as intended — could weaken crucial public services and development projects.
In light of these concerns, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas formed a Special Committee chaired by Emeka Chinedu (PDP, Imo) to investigate how Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Government-Owned Enterprises have handled these funds from 2015 to date.
During a committee session, John Hammah, Acting Director of Development Finance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented Governor Olayemi Cardoso. Hammah assured the committee of the CBN’s cooperation but asked for more time to compile accurate data covering the entire review period.
“Mr. Chairman and distinguished members, we only received your invitation yesterday. We’ve drafted a preliminary report, but now see the full extent of your inquiry. We respectfully ask for more time to gather complete data,” Hammah said.
After discussions, Committee Chair Emeka Chinedu granted the CBN a two-week extension and instructed that Governor Cardoso appear in person on May 2, 2025.
Extension Also Granted to Accountant General’s Office and Ministry of Health
James Abalaka, appearing for the Accountant General’s Office, was also given two additional weeks to provide detailed disbursement records.
Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attended the session as well. EFCC Secretary Muhammad Hammajoda requested a formal and structured report from the Accountant General’s Office outlining the amounts disbursed and their purposes.
“We need an official document detailing the disbursements and their intended uses. Once we have that, we’ll examine the data thoroughly,” Hammajoda said.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Deputy Director of Accounts Olatunde Makinde, also sought more time, explaining the necessity of collecting accurate records from various institutions nationwide.
“We want to avoid providing incorrect information. We’re asking for more time to gather relevant documents from our affiliated institutions,” Makinde explained.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, standing in for Speaker Abbas at the hearing, reaffirmed the House’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
“The House fully trusts this committee to carry out a thorough and unbiased investigation. Our aim is to foster good governance and ensure efficient use of public funds,” Ihonvbere stated.
Committee Chairman Emeka Chinedu Martins underlined the significance of the inquiry and urged full cooperation from all involved agencies.
“This is not an attempt to target anyone. Our mission is to guarantee that every naira spent benefits Nigerians. We ask for your full collaboration so we can fulfill our responsibilities,” Martins concluded.