Reps Probe MDAs, GOEs, Others’ Utilisation Of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds

The House of Representatives has resolved to conduct an immediate investigation into the use of take-off grants, bailout funds, and interventions allocated to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), government institutions, and government-owned enterprises (GOEs) from 2015 to date.

The House also agreed to assess compliance with existing regulations and guidelines regarding the management and reporting of these funds, including any diversion or misappropriation.

These followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the minority leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP Rivers), at plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Chinda said over the years, the government had allocated take-off grants/ intervention funds to existing and newly established agencies and institutions to support their foundational operations and bailout funds to various agencies designed to facilitate specific services and settle outstanding liabilities.

He expressed worry that; “Persistent allegations of the diversion and mismanagement of these funds, as well as the potential failure to utilise them for their intended purposes, thereby undermining the effectiveness of vital public services and projects.

“Significant financial losses resulting from the mismanagement of these funds represent a substantial drain on public resources that could have been used for essential services and national development in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

“The misuse of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, and other interventions has severely compromised national development goals, hindering progress towards critical social and economic objectives.”

The lawmaker said the misappropriation of these funds had led to a demonstrable deterioration in the quality of public service delivery and compromised the security of the nation, thereby undermining public trust in government effectiveness.

He noted that the lack of stringent oversight and monitoring mechanisms may contribute to the inefficiency in the deployment of these resources, resulting in wasted funds that could otherwise be used to improve the good intentions of government policies and protect citizens’ lives.

“An extensive investigation is necessary for the National Assembly pursuant to Sections 88 & 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to clarify the scope, usage, and accountability surrounding these financial allocations, thereby fulfilling its oversight responsibilities and ensuring public funds serve their intended purposes and contribute effectively to national development,” Chinda added.

Adopting the motion, the House recommended the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, sanctions, monitoring systems, and accountability measures to ensure the effective and intended use of public funds in all relevant sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.