Minister of Women Affairs Alleges Victimization Over Refusal to Sign $500 Million World Bank Loan

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, has accused National Assembly members and government officials of victimizing her due to her refusal to sign a dubious $500 million World Bank loan request. The minister engaged in a heated argument with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development on July 10, 2024, over the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for the payment of contractors by ministry officials.

In an interview with Thisday Newspaper, the minister clarified her stance on the loan, stating that she rejected it because it wasn’t in the interest of the country. According to her, the loan was meant for dubious purposes, and she refused to sign the agreement.

The minister also took a swipe at the World Bank staff in Nigeria, alleging that they take 40% of the loan as consultancy fees. She questioned the transparency and accountability of the loan process, stating that loan recipients are not given the freedom to choose how to utilize the funds.

Kennedy-Ohanenye warned that her refusal to sign the loan has put her life at risk, but she is willing to stand by her decisions to protect the interests of the Nigerian people.

“In fact, if I sign that loan today, I am entitled to five percent of the money, but I refused to sign it,” the minister said. “It is part of why the National Assembly and all of them are after me.”

The minister’s comments sparked concerns about the transparency and accountability of foreign loans and the role of government officials in ensuring that funds are properly utilized.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of foreign loans and government funds.