The House of Representatives interrogated Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, the head of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), on Friday regarding the utilisation of the N44 billion earmarked for the COVID-19 intervention fund in 2020.
During the investigative hearing on the alleged misappropriation of COVID-19 intervention funds by various government bodies, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, expressed serious concerns about NEPC's inability to provide a clear account of how the public funds were utilized.
Despite acknowledging that Ayeni, the NEPC Executive Secretary, was recently appointed, lawmakers criticized the Deputy Director of Finance for repeatedly referring to the Bank of Industry (BOI) when questioned about the fund's utilization.
The Committee decided to summon the Bank of Industry's management to ensure complete accountability for the N44 billion allocated for the COVID-19 intervention fund across various institutions.
Responding to the queries, NEPC Executive Secretary Ayeni, who assumed office on October 16, 2023, confirmed that the details of the COVID-19 intervention fund were included in the handover note she received.
During the audit scrutiny by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (oAuGF), concerns were raised about "expenditure and disbursements Non COVID-19 relief related worth N22,047,616,328," questioning compliance with constitutional and financial regulations.
Rep. Salam expressed frustration with the unclear presentations made by some top officials accompanying the NEPC Executive Secretary, alleging that some technocrats were intentionally hindering parliamentary proceedings.
Highlighting that NEPC was allocated a total of N60 billion from the COVID-19 palliative intervention fund, Rep. Salam stated, "It's either you're grossly incompetent or you deliberately want to frustrate the works of the Parliament."
He further emphasized that any agency failing to cooperate would face rulings against them, including the Export Promotion Council.
In response to the committee's questions, Mrs. Ayeni requested a two-week extension to obtain relevant documents from the Bank of Industry, stating, "Honorable Chairman Sir, my apologies, though I just resumed a few months ago, but that's not an excuse. I will like to plead with the honorable House to please give us an extension."
Expressing dissatisfaction, Hon. Shaba Ibrahim questioned why the Council's management couldn't account for the approved funds without involving the Bank of Industry.
Rep. Salam intervened, suggesting a one-week extension and inviting the Bank of Industry to appear alongside NEPC, stating, "we grant them a week extension and also write to the BoI to appear on the same day, which is one week, Friday next week, 26th January 2024."
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