N729 Billion Poverty Fund: Ex-Minister Must Account, Court Rules

A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a landmark ruling, ordering Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to provide a detailed account of the N729 billion payments made to 24.3 million vulnerable Nigerians. The court’s judgment, delivered by Justice Deinde Dipeolu on June 27, comes after a Freedom of Information request filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The court’s ruling mandates Farouq to disclose the list of beneficiaries, the number of states covered, and the payment details per state. The judgment also requires her to explain the selection process of the beneficiaries, the payment mechanisms, and the rationale behind disbursing N5,000 to 24.3 million poor Nigerians, which amounts to five percent of Nigeria’s 2021 budget.

Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from 2019 to 2023, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Her tenure was marked by controversy, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds. In December, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited her for questioning over the alleged laundering of N37 billion by a contractor, James Okwete, who worked with the ministry.

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The court’s ruling is a significant victory for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance. SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, hailed the judgment, stating that it sets a precedent for government officials to be held accountable for their actions. The ruling also underscores the importance of the Freedom of Information Act in promoting transparency and good governance in Nigeria.

As the former minister is compelled to provide detailed information on the N729 billion payments, Nigerians eagerly await the revelation of the truth behind the controversial funds. The judgment serves as a reminder that public officials are accountable to the people and that transparency is essential in ensuring that government funds are utilized for the greater good.