Tinubu Approved N3bn For National Social Register Verification

The Presidency on Monday urged patience and restraint from Nigerians in view of the continuing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of N585 million by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Betta Edu. The Presidency also cautioned against a media trial.

In response to recent disclosures on the subject, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the release of N3 billion to validate the National Social Register during the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

Under Buhari, the social register was established for cash transfers and other social investment initiatives.

A memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of Chief of the Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, titled ‘Conveyance of approval; Re: appeal to use N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) from the Covid-19 palliative fund for verification of the national social register,’ read:

“The above subject refers. Please be informed that Mr President has approved the expenditure of N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) only, from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register. Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.

But speaking to The PUNCH on Monday night, Onanuga said “The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and all these matters are under investigation already.

“I am sure that the EFCC had seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and they are doing something about these findings.

“Let us allow them to do their work. Let us not to be doing double investigation on the same issue or a media trial on an issue that is under investigation. Nigerians should exercise patience.

“When the EFCC is done with their findings, they will tender their report to the President who will then act on the result of the investigation.”

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under Betta Edu paid a company owned by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo a total of N438.1 million for consulting services under the contract, according to an online website.

According to reports, New Planet Project Limited was one of the consultants that received contracts from the N3 billion that the suspended minister distributed for the national social register contract.

It has been reported that additional beneficiaries include Fabunmi Olanipekun & Co., which received N419.5 million; Vintsolve Global Consult; Periscope Consulting; Blue Trend Enterprise; Laitop Dynamics Interlink Services; Memak Nigeria Limited; MC Van Management Consult Limited; Danzinger Nigeria Limited; and Blue Trend Enterprise received N277.8m.