ANEEJ Welcomes Appointment of Social Protection Chiefs in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Urges Transparency, Accountability
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. August 8, 2024… The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a leading civil society organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and promoting transparency in governance, has welcomed the recent appointments made by President Bola Tinubu in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
Executive Director of ANEEJ, the Rev. David Ugolor, in a reaction to the statement issued yesterday by the presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, expressed optimism about the appointments and emphasized the critical need for the new leaders of these essential agencies and programmes to work closely with civil society organizations to enhance transparency, accountability, in their operations. He further underscored ANEEJ’s preparedness to collaborate with the new appointees to ensure the success of their mandates in addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Nigerians.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Badamasi Lawal, Ms. Funmilola Olotu, Ms. Aishat Alubankudi, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mr. Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, and Ms. Lami Binta Adamu Bello to head key agencies and programmes within the Ministry. These appointments are strategic in facilitating much-needed relief and ensuring the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programmes across Nigeria,” Ugolor said.
“Given the alarming levels of poverty and the current discontent among Nigerians towards government insensitivity which precipitated the #EndHungerInNigeria and #EndBadGovernance protests, it is imperative that these appointees engage with civil society and display a high sense of transparency, accountability, and patriotism in the discharge of their duties,” Ugolor emphasized.
Ugolor also called for the appointment of a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in the light of the allegations of corruption against the suspended minister, Betta Edu. “We urge the President to appoint a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to restore integrity and confidence in the Ministry. The fight against corruption is paramount towards ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable Nigerians without diversion or mismanagement,” he added.
Recall that in January, Betta Edu was suspended as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs over allegations of corruption. Since then, there have been persistent reports suggesting she might be reinstated. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Ministry’s operations during Edu’s tenure. Additionally, he suspended Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), and halted all NSIPA programs. A ministerial panel was also established to review the agency’s operations and recommend necessary reforms to enhance its effectiveness.
“The prolonged delay in concluding the investigation and probe into the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu and the Chief Executive Officer, NSIPA, Halima Shehu, is deeply troubling. It reflects the bureaucratic red tape and inefficiency that plague our public sector, allowing a culture of impunity to persist. It has been over six months since this investigation was initiated, and the Nigerian public, who are already aware of the issues at hand, deserve a swift and transparent resolution,” Ugolor expressed.
“The continued delay of the probe into allegations of corruption against Betta Edu only serves to erode public trust in our institutions. We have already seen the negative impact of such delays. It is time to conclude this investigation and take decisive action against those found guilty,” he concluded.
“We are ready to support the new appointees and the Ministry in achieving their objectives, and we believe that through collaborative efforts and steadfast commitment to ethical governance, we can significantly improve the living conditions of millions of Nigerians and move closer to realizing the vision of an Africa without poverty,” Ugolor concluded.
The Government in the statement, announced that Dr. Badamasi Lawal has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). Ms. Funmilola Olotu will serve as the Programme Manager for the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office, while Ms. Aishat Alubankudi has been appointed as the Programme Manager for the Grant for Vulnerable Groups. Mr. Abdullahi Alhassan Imam will take on the role of Programme Manager for the National Cash Transfer Office. Additionally, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, who is the executive director of the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre in Jos, has been named the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for People with Disabilities. Finally, Ms. Lami Binta Adamu Bello will serve as the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
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