House of Reps Probes ₦1.06 Trillion NG-CARES Programme Over Alleged Mismanagement

The House of Representatives has opened a full-scale investigation into the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, following concerns over the management and utilisation of ₦1.06 trillion allocated to the initiative.

The probe, spearheaded by the House Committee on NG-CARES, is aimed at uncovering whether the intervention funds meant to provide relief to vulnerable Nigerians affected by the economic downturn were properly disbursed and utilised in line with federal guidelines.

Committee Chairman, Abubakar Kusada, told lawmakers that despite the massive allocation, there is little visible impact at the grassroots level, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the programme’s execution.

“We must find out why Nigerians are not feeling the benefits of this programme despite the huge resources released,” Kusada said. “If funds have been mismanaged or diverted, those responsible will be held to account.”

The investigation will examine whether due process was followed in awarding contracts and selecting beneficiaries, if any of the funds were diverted or embezzled, the accuracy of beneficiary records and reports submitted by implementing agencies, and the fairness of fund distribution across states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Launched in 2021, NG-CARES was designed as a joint effort between the federal government, state governments, and the World Bank to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It targeted households in poverty, small and medium-sized enterprises, and farmers, with interventions ranging from cash transfers and palliatives to agricultural inputs and infrastructure support.

The committee will invite officials from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as state government representatives, to appear before it and provide evidence of how the funds were spent.

Site visits to selected project locations are also planned to verify reported achievements.

Kusada stressed that the findings of the probe will be made public, and any confirmed cases of fraud or mismanagement will be forwarded to the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other anti-corruption agencies for prosecution.

The investigation is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with interim reports to be presented to the House before the end of the current legislative session.