Great Green Wall Project: Reps Commence Probe

The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the utilization of ecological funds released to the Great Green Wall project from 2015 to date.

Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Hon. Ismaíla Dabo said the objective of the investigative hearing is to gather data towards ensuring the project is optimally implemented, as well as to identify challenges affecting its execution.

This hearing is coming at a time of heightened public expectations, given the experiences with the management of public funds by agencies of government in recent times, which is threatening the development of Nigeria.

The objective is to expose corruption and guide the new administration in the continued implementation of the policy.

Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Hon. Isma’ila Dabo is worried that despite funds put into the Great Green Wall programme from both Federal Government and international partners, funds were being used inappropriately.

He expressed displeasure that some ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government, as well as several State Governments have either not responded to the Committee’s request to submit necessary documents required, or deliberately delayed such documents to prevent it from carrying out its mandate.

In another development, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating non-remittance to the National Housing Fund (NHF) and utilization of the funds from 2011 has summoned concerned Chief Executive Officers of insurance companies over unremitted N267 billion workers investment in NHF only for the year 2019.

Chairman of the Committee Dachung Bagos issued the summon following their failure to appear before the committee to explain the unremitted fund.

The insurance companies are expected to come and explain why they are still owing over 267 billion Naira of workers investment to NHF in 2019.

The Committee also expects the National Insurance Commission (NICON) to show proof of insurance companies who were in default of remitting workers investment to Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.