Reps Begin Probe of N1.06bn Social Intervention Programme

The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into the N1.06 trillion Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) social intervention programme of the Federal Government.

The Chairman, House Committee on NG-CARES, Rep. Abubakar Kusada (APC-Katsina), made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the investigation had become imminent since the masses were allegedly not feeling the impact of the social nets despite the federal government fulfilling its funding obligation.

The lawmaker said that government had also provided the guidelines and the operational arrangements for the effective implementation of the programme.

“A total of 696 million dollar, which is an equivalent of N1.06 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.

“It is therefore most surprising that the effect of these palliatives is not being felt by the target vulnerable groups in Nigeria after government has committed so much resources to this purpose through the states.

“There is still a loud cry of government neglect of the plight of Nigerians enduring the brunt of economic reforms,” he said.

The lawmaker said that the committee, in exercise of its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, had resolved to commence immediate and full investigation of the NG-CARES programme.

He said that the aim was to unravel the disconnect and ascertain the propriety of expenditure of the huge sums provided by government for the administration of social welfare.

According to him, the investigation will provide answers to nagging questions on the disconnect between cause and effect.

Kusada said that several states had claimed billions of naira for social transfer and agric inputs, labour, infrastructure, procurement of assets and for development and upgrading of wet 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, and insist that the right thing be done.

“Similarly, we will verify the grants and other support purportedly given to MSEs for recovery and economic stimulus,” he said.

The legislator alleged that billions of Naira had been collected by states for interventions to small businesses, which should have facilitated their resilience and survival, this contributing substantially to economic well-being and prosperity of ordinary Nigerians.

“If the funds have been properly applied to provide social safety nets for vulnerable Nigerians, then Nigerians in search of safety net and palliatives can be told where to look to find them.

“If the funds have been diverted, the affected states should restore the funds and utilise them properly.

“If there has been a gross mismanagement of funds, 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 said.