Reps Begin Investigation Of N1.6tr NG-CARES Program

The House of Representatives
committee on NG-CARES has commenced investigation into the implementation of the $696m (N1.06 trillion), Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus program, NG-CARES, program of the federal government.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja after the committee meeting, Chairman of the committee, Abubakar Kasuda explained that the investigation
became necessary following complaints that the initiative has failed to provide relief to millions of vulnerable citizens despite significant government and World Bank funding.

According to him, the NG-CARES Program was launched after the COVID-19 pandemic to cushion the impact of economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency unification.

He noted that the four-year initiative, now in its final phase, channels funds to states and the Federal Capital Territory through agencies such Youth Employment and Social Support Operations, YESSO, Community and Social Development Project, CSDP, FADAMA, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP, State Employment and Expenditure for Results, SEEFOR, A State Operations Coordinating Unit SOCU.

He said “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 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 the 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.

“The House Committee on NG-CARES in exercise of its powers under Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution has resolved to commence immediate and full investigation of the NG-CARES programme so as 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 the chairman, “The envisaged investigation should provide answers to the following nagging questions that create the disconnect between cause and effect:

Were the funds embezzled?
Were the funds misappropriated or diverted to serve other purposes in the state?

Did the utilisation of the funds create enough value for money (VFM). In other words, was there an undue inflation of contracts?

Can the integrity and fairness of the procurement process stand scrutiny? In other words, did the contract procurement follow due process?

Did the inbuilt safeguards such as Independent Verification Agents (IVAs), and Third Party Monitors (TPMs), operate effectively or did they become compromised and failed?

Was the distribution of notional amounts fairly done? Why did some states manage to get more than the attributable notional amounts?

Why did the operational mechanism fail in a number of states? How can the operational mechanisms and Delivery Platforms (DPs), be strengthened across the states? Should training workshops be organised for NG-CARES operatives at the states to strengthen the operational mechanisms and effectiveness of the delivery platforms?”

Lamenting the state of affairs, Kusada said, “Several states have claimed billions of naira for social transfer. These beneficiaries are Nigerians that can be reached. If fake names have been used to claim social transfer, we will say so.

“States have collected billions of naira for Agric Inputs and services, for Labour Intensive Agric Infrastructure, for Procurement of Agric 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 supports purportedly given to MSEs for recovery and economic stimulus. Billions of Naira have been collected by states for these interventions to small businesses which should have facilitated their resilience and survival, 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.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji