Nigeria's anti-graft agency probes permanent secretary over blocked presidential funds

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a formal investigation into Binyerem Ukaire, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. This action follows a PREMIUM TIMES report detailing her alleged obstruction of essential payments approved by President Bola Tinubu for key agencies under her supervision.

The funds in question were designated for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Sources indicate that Mrs. Ukaire refused to process these payments because the heads of these agencies allegedly declined her demand for detailed presentations on their ongoing projects and financial utilization. Agency heads and industry experts have pointed out that this demand deviates from standard civil service practices, citing a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that prohibits supervising ministries from interfering in the finances of their parastatals.

The ICPC has reportedly interrogated both Mrs. Ukaire and the affected agency heads to ascertain the reasons behind the fund blockage. While the investigation is ongoing, sources confirmed that no detentions were made following the questioning. The public attention generated by the initial report appears to have prompted a swift change in the situation.

In a significant development, Mrs. Ukaire has since approved the payment files and forwarded them for disbursement. Heads of the affected agencies confirmed on Saturday that the files have been processed and are now awaiting the final release of funds. This outcome suggests a resolution to the immediate impasse, though the ICPC investigation is expected to continue.