The House of Representatives Committee on NG-CARES has opened an investigation into the implementation of the $696 million (₦1.06 trillion) Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus programme, amid concerns that its benefits have not reached intended vulnerable groups.
Committee Chairman, Abubakar Kusada, told journalists in Abuja that despite the Federal Government fulfilling its funding commitments, providing guidelines, and establishing operational frameworks, many Nigerians report no visible impact from the initiative.
He noted that the funds were disbursed to all 36 states and the FCT through various delivery platforms.
“It is most surprising that the effect of these palliatives is not being felt by the target groups after government has committed so much. The backlash is such that the people have reserved a day of reckoning for the government at the coming elections,” Kusada said.
The probe will examine whether funds were misappropriated, if contract awards followed due process, and whether inbuilt safeguards were effective.
The committee will also scrutinise claims by states on spending for agricultural inputs, infrastructure, market upgrades, and grants to micro and small enterprises, assessing their impact on food supply, prices, and small business survival.
Kusada warned that states unable to justify their claims risk being publicly named and shamed.
Reporting by Tanimu Salihu