The House of Representatives Committee on NG-CARES on Wednesday launched an investigation into the Nigerian Government’s $696 million (₦1.06 trillion) Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus social intervention programme.
Committee Chairman Abubakar Kusada told reporters in Abuja that the inquiry became necessary after it emerged that vulnerable Nigerians were not benefiting from the palliatives and safety nets, despite the government providing full funding, guidelines, and operational arrangements for the programme’s effective delivery.
“A total of $696 million or ₦1.06 trillion has been released through various delivery platforms to Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT. It is surprising that the target groups are not feeling the impact, despite the huge resources channelled through the states,” Kusada said.
Citing its constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89, the committee resolved to conduct a full investigation to determine why the programme’s impact is not evident. It will examine whether funds were embezzled, misappropriated, or diverted, and whether the procurement process was transparent and value for money achieved.
Kusada noted that some states had claimed billions for social transfers, agricultural inputs, and market upgrades, stressing that the committee would verify these claims and disclose the actual impact on food supply, prices, and livelihoods.
He warned that any state found to have diverted funds would be required to restore and use them properly, and that cases of procurement abuse would be referred to the Bureau of Public Procurement and anti-corruption agencies.