CSOs Call for Investigation into N4.9bn Meal Subsidy Scandal

FG Under Fire: CSOs Demand Probe into N4.9bn Meal Subsidy Scandal

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are calling for a thorough investigation into the Ministry of Finance’s failure to release a N4.9 billion meal subsidy for 112 Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

According to documents obtained by The PUNCH, the ministry skipped payment of the intervention funds for November and December 2023, despite paying out the funds for January 2024 onwards.

The immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, had written to her finance counterpart in February 2024, urging the release of the withheld funds, citing the negative impact on the smooth running of the colleges.

CSO leaders are now demanding answers, with the Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, warning that the delay may have been caused by temporary diversion of funds for personal gain.

Adeniran called for a thorough investigation, saying, “Everybody involved should be made to account for their role in the delay or withholding of the fund, and if anybody has benefited from it, they should be jailed.”

Abiodun Bamgboye, Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Joint Action Forum, advocated for democratic management and control of resources, involving students, parents, and government representatives to prevent such situations.

The controversy has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, with CSOs pushing for a probe to unravel the reasons behind the withheld meal subsidy.

The meal subsidy scandal has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The CSOs’ demands for a probe have gained momentum, with Nigerians calling for answers on social media.

The Ministry of Finance has yet to respond to the allegations, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the withheld funds. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the government must come clean about the N4.9 billion meal subsidy scandal.

The fate of the 112 Federal Unity Colleges and their students hangs in the balance, as the delayed funds have already caused disruptions in the smooth running of the institutions. The government must act swiftly to address the situation and restore public trust.

In a country where corruption and mismanagement of public funds are rampant, the meal subsidy scandal serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency. The government must take concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purpose.

As the probe continues, Nigerians wait with bated breath for answers. Will the government come clean about the withheld funds? Only time will tell.