Betta Edu: Tinubu approves N3bn for national social register verification

Amid the ongoing inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of N585m by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Betta Edu, the Presidency issued a call for caution and patience from the Nigerian public on Monday, cautioning against engaging in a media trial.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this statement in response to recent revelations. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the allocation of N3bn to verify the National Social Register during the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari. The social register was established for cash transfers and other social investment programs under Buhari.

A memorandum dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with the title ‘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,’ stated:

“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.”

However, speaking to The PUNCH on Monday night, Onanuga added, “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 has seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff, and they are taking action on these findings.

“Let us allow them to do their work. Let us refrain from conducting a double investigation on the same issue or engaging in a media trial on a matter under investigation. Nigerians should exercise patience.

“When the EFCC completes their findings, they will submit their report to the President, who will then act based on the investigation’s results.”

An online platform reported that a company owned by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received a total payment of N438.1m from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under Betta Edu for consultancy services. New Planet Project Limited was reportedly one of the consultants awarded contracts from the N3bn allocated by the suspended minister for the national social register contract.

Other reported beneficiaries include Fabunmi Olanipekun & Co (N419.5m), Vintsolve Global Consult (N558.8m), Periscope Consulting (N277m), Blue Trend Enterprise (N277.8m), Laitop Dynamics Interlink Services (N277m), Memak Nigeria Limited (N277m), MC Van Management Consult Limited (N275.8m), Danzinger Nigeria Limited (N275.8m), and Blue Trend Enterprises (N277.8m).