By The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the whereabouts of over ₦30 billion recovered from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), warning that delays are preventing millions of vulnerable Nigerians from receiving critical welfare support.
Urgent Motion Adopted
The alarm followed an urgent motion sponsored by Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (APC–Niger), titled: “Urgent Need to Investigate the Status and Whereabouts of Funds Recovered from NSIPA During the 2024–2025 Investigation, With a View to Fast-Tracking the Recommencement of Social Investment Programmes.”
NSIPA’s Role in Social Welfare
NSIPA oversees programmes like TraderMoni, MarketMoni, FarmerMoni, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), and the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), which aim to reduce poverty, improve school nutrition, and enhance financial inclusion.
Funds Recovery and Delays
Between late 2023 and early 2024, the agency faced allegations of financial irregularities, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend its operations on January 8, 2024. Investigations reportedly uncovered fund diversions and discrepancies involving commercial banks and Payment Service Providers.
Although over ₦30 billion was recovered, Abdullahi revealed that the money has yet to be credited to NSIPA’s Treasury Single Account, delaying the resumption of key social programmes and leaving vulnerable households without support.
Ad-Hoc Committee Set Up
The House has established a committee to trace the recovered funds, identify custodians, and determine obstacles preventing their release. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks and propose a clear plan for disbursing the funds.
