The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes following an Auditor-General’s report indicating that N33.75bn cash transfer allocations to 3.29 million households could not be verified.
In a statement issued on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of social intervention funds. Abdullahi described the development as an “organised racket,” alleging that funds intended to support vulnerable Nigerians were being mismanaged.
N33.75bn Cash Transfer Allegations Linked to Previous Controversies
The ADC said the latest findings regarding the N33.75bn cash transfer were part of a broader pattern of controversies surrounding the government’s social investment programmes.
The party recalled the reported transfer of N585 million to a private account linked to former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, who was suspended following the controversy.
It also referred to allegations surrounding N44 billion under the National Social Investment Programme Agency during the tenure of its former chief executive, Halima Shehu.
According to the ADC, the latest Auditor-General’s findings have further heightened concerns over the management of social intervention funds.
The party said the N33.75 billion reportedly not matched to verified beneficiaries was contained within a larger N78 billion intervention fund.
ADC Demands Probe Into N33.75bn Cash Transfer Allegations
The opposition party called for a comprehensive investigation into the cash-transfer programme and demanded greater disclosure of how the funds were distributed.
The ADC specifically requested the publication of the full beneficiary register, the REMITA payment trail and the names of officials who allegedly obstructed the Auditor-General’s efforts.
The party argued that making the information public would help Nigerians determine whether the funds reached their intended beneficiaries.
ADC Questions New $1bn Social Protection Programme
The ADC also criticised the Federal Government’s announcement of a $1 billion Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme, arguing that the government should resolve outstanding accountability concerns before introducing another large-scale intervention.
Abdullahi questioned why additional funds were being committed to social protection when questions surrounding previous programmes remained unresolved.
The party warned that without stronger transparency and monitoring mechanisms, the new initiative could face similar challenges.
ADC Blames Economic Policies for Rising Hardship
Beyond the cash-transfer controversy, the ADC linked the growing demand for social assistance to the government’s economic policies.
The party argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira had contributed to higher transport and food costs and worsened economic hardship.
“This is a government that manufactured hardship with one hand and pocketed the relief with the other,” the party said.
The ADC maintained that social intervention programmes became necessary because millions of Nigerians were struggling with rising living costs.
It therefore called for immediate action to establish accountability for theN33.75bn cash transfer and ensure that future social protection funds are transparently administered.
