Amidst the ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria, more troubles seem to be brewing as Wale Edun, the minister of finance, has relocated the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to the Ministry of Finance and Coordinating Economy.
The move by Edun has ignited controversy, especially in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive to investigate the activities under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, aiming to address the current challenges faced by the nation.
In an interim report seen by TheCable on Saturday, the panel recommended that the programmes should be resumed to alleviate the sufferings of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, but that a new board under the leadership of Edun should oversee the social investment programmes.
“Convene a steering committee/board under the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the economy to oversee the coordination of programmes,” it reads in part.
“Determine the future of the NSIPA by advocating for a proper review and amendment of the NSIPA act.”
Leaders.ng also gathered that Edun is currently withholding funds approved and released by the Federal Government for the 2024 Hajj Commission.
Insiders claim that Edun’s actions are driven by an expectation of kickbacks, leaving intending pilgrims to bear the brunt of daily increases in Hajj fares.