A House of Representatives committee has commenced an investigation into the implementation of the $696 million (N1.06 trillion) Nigeria COVID-19 Action, Recovery, and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) scheme.
The NG-CARES is an initiative of the World Bank and the federal government aimed at supporting the recovery of communities, households, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday after a meeting of the NG-CARES committee, Abubakar Kusada, who chairs the panel, expressed concern that the safety net programme has not been felt by the populace, even though the federal government released the required funds and laid out the implementation framework.
“A total of $696 million, or N1.06 trillion, has been released as social intervention, safety nets, and palliatives to Nigerians in the 36 states and the FCT through various delivery platforms,” Kusada said.
“It is, therefore, surprising that the effect of these palliatives is not being felt by the target vulnerable groups in Nigeria, despite the government committing so much resources to this purpose through the states.
“There is still a loud cry of government neglect from Nigerians enduring the brunt of economic reforms.
“The House Committee on NG-CARES, in exercise of its powers under sections 88 and 89 of the constitution, has resolved to commence an immediate and full investigation into the NG-CARES programme to unravel the disconnect and ascertain the propriety of the expenditure of these huge sums.”
Kusada said the probe will determine whether the funds were embezzled, misappropriated, or diverted.
“Did the utilisation of the funds create enough value for money? Was there an undue inflation of contracts? Can the integrity and fairness of the procurement process stand scrutiny? Did the procurement process follow due process?
“Did the inbuilt safeguards, such as independent verification agents (IVAs) and third-party monitors (TPMs), operate effectively, or were they compromised? Was the distribution of notional amounts fair? Why did some states get more than their attributable shares?
“Why did the operational mechanism fail in several states? How can delivery platforms be strengthened across the states? Should training workshops be organised for NG-CARES operatives to improve operational efficiency?”
He added that the committee will verify grants and other supports purportedly given to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) for recovery and economic stimulus.
“Billions of naira have been collected by states for interventions in small businesses, which should have facilitated their resilience and survival, contributing substantially to the economic well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
“If the funds have been properly applied, Nigerians seeking safety nets and palliatives should be told where to find them. If the funds have been diverted, the affected states should restore and utilise them appropriately.
“If there has been gross mismanagement, the people will know the palliatives have been misused and who is responsible,” Kusada said.
The committee chairman stressed that those overseeing the scheme would be held accountable if procurement processes were compromised or funds misappropriated.
