The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to explain alleged irregularities in her ministry’s expenditures, including a controversial N45 million New Year party and N20 million spent on sanitary pads.
During the investigative hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, led the questioning of the Minister over the alleged mismanagement of funds, including the non-payment of N1.5 billion owed to contractors despite the funds being released.
Ogbara emphasized that the hearing was intended to uncover the truth rather than target the Minister or ministry officials. The investigation also sought to address a petition from contractors alleging the diversion of funds meant for their payments and to clarify the status of funds allocated for the African First Lady’s mission.
The Minister denied all allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and failing to pay contractors. The procurement officer confirmed the contractors’ claims, while the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged that only approved contracts had been paid.
The committee had previously summoned the Minister to account for the non-payment of contractors, and as a result of the hearing, it has ordered a halt to all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women Affairs until the issues surrounding the contract funds are resolved.
