Reps Commence Investigation Into Great Green Wall Project

The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the utilization of ecological funds released for the Great Green Wall project from 2015 to date.

The Speaker, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, who declared the hearing open said the objective is to gather data to ensure the project is optimally implemented, as well as identify challenges affecting its execution.

According to the Speaker, another objective of the hearing is to expose corruption and guide the new administration in the continued implementation of the policy.

“The mandate of the ad-hoc committee set up for the investigation is to investigate all funds received from International organizations and Donor agencies from 2015 to date, All budgetary and other Federal allocations to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall from 2015 to date”.

“The utilization of ecological funds released to the Great Green Wall by the international organizations. All contracts awarded to various contractors for the project from 2015 to date; The total sum received through the policy and the level of compliance with the goals and objectives of the projects,” he said.

The Chairman of the ad-hoc Committee, Isma’ila Dabo Haruna explained that the recent upsurge in natural environmental challenges, despite funds put into the Great Green Wall programme from both federal government and international partners, necessitated the investigation.

Mr. Dabo expressed displeasure that some ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government, as well as several state governments, have either not responded to the committee’s request to submit the necessary documents required, or deliberately delayed such documents to prevent it from carrying out its mandate.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji