Former National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) Director, Dr. Ahmed Kuru, has raised serious allegations concerning the mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds. Appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account on Monday, Kuru claimed that N3 billion was paid into 11 different bank accounts without the requisite approvals.
According to Kuru, the payments were made between April and June 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. He stated that the funds were supposedly meant for palliatives and support for vulnerable households, but there was no documentation authorizing the disbursement. “I have evidence that shows these transactions were processed without following due process. The accounts were not part of any approved framework,” Kuru told the committee.
Committee Chairman Reacts
The committee chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam, expressed deep concern over the allegations. He noted that the committee would summon all relevant officials, including the current NSIPA management and bank representatives, to verify the claims. “This is a serious breach of trust. We must ensure that every kobo meant for the poor reaches them,” Salam said.
Documents submitted by Kuru indicated that the total sum of N3,057,442,110 was transferred to accounts belonging to individuals and companies not previously registered with the agency. At least 11 accounts were identified, including one that received over N500 million.
Broader Investigation Expected
The allegations have sparked calls for a wider forensic audit of all COVID-19 expenditure under NSIPA. Civil society groups have urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step in. The agency itself has not yet issued an official statement, but sources say an internal review has been initiated.
Kuru, who served as Director of Programmes until his resignation in 2021, insisted that he raised the issue internally at the time but was ignored. “I wrote several memos. Nothing was done. Now I am speaking out for accountability,” he added.
Impact on COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The alleged diversion comes at a time when many Nigerians are still struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic. Over 40 million people were targeted for palliatives, but numerous reports of mismanagement have surfaced. If confirmed, this case would represent one of the largest single diversions of pandemic funds in Nigeria.
The committee has given NSIPA two weeks to provide detailed records of all COVID-19 expenditures from March 2020 to December 2021. Meanwhile, Kuru has promised to provide additional documentation, including bank statements and approval letters, to support his claims.
