The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the N33.75 billion cash transfer programme for 3.29 million households following audit queries raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Reacting on Monday through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the audit findings raised concerns about accountability and transparency in the implementation of social intervention programmes.
‘According to the Auditor-General’s report, N33.75 billion disbursed to 3.29 million households could not be fully verified. This highlights the need for government to provide clear records showing how public funds were spent,’ Abdullahi said.
The party recalled previous issues reported in the National Social Investment Programme, including cases involving former officials Betta Edu and Halima Shehu, and said Nigerians deserve to know the status of all funds appropriated for poverty alleviation.
Abdullahi also referenced the Federal Government’s recently announced $1 billion ‘Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme’ and urged that new interventions be guided by stronger transparency mechanisms.
‘Before rolling out additional programmes, government should demonstrate that lessons have been learnt and that systems are in place to prevent recurrence of accountability gaps,’ he said.
The ADC noted that rising costs of fuel, transportation and food have increased the number of Nigerians needing social support, which makes transparency in cash transfer programmes even more critical.
To ensure accountability, the party demanded the publication of the full beneficiary register of households that received payments under the N33.75 billion intervention, the release of the REMITA payment trail and other payment records to verify disbursements, full cooperation with the Auditor-General’s office to resolve all outstanding audit queries, and the names of every official who obstructed the Auditor-General.
‘Social intervention programmes should serve their intended purpose of supporting vulnerable Nigerians. Government must show who received the funds, how much was paid, and when the payments were made,’ Abdullahi added.
The ADC said it would continue to monitor the process and expects relevant agencies to take immediate steps to address the issues raised in the audit report.