Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Records N257.12 Million Payment, Cash-Control Irregularities

Secrets Reporters

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development recorded payment and cash-control irregularities amounting to ₦257,121,767.03 across five separate findings, according to a review of the ministry’s financial records.

The ministry, which is responsible for advancing gender equity and social welfare programmes across Nigeria, had ₦102,819,500.00 granted as cash advances above the approved limit. The breach contravened Treasury Circular provisions governing the ceilings applicable to cash advances.

Similarly, ₦67,702,750.00 was paid as reimbursable expenses without proper accounting for the expenses covered. The payment contravened the Financial Regulations 2009, which require officers who receive reimbursable funds to properly account for the expenditure.

Moreso, payments amounting to ₦62,936,500.00 were made outside the requirements of the Federal Government’s e-payment policy. The payments therefore breached the government’s prescribed policy on electronic payments for public financial transactions.

Additionally, ₦13,270,400.00 was identified as overpayment of estacode, the foreign travel subsistence allowance payable to public officials undertaking official assignments outside Nigeria. The overpayment formed part of the financial irregularities recorded in the ministry’s accounts.

Furthermore, the review identified ₦10,392,617.03 in under-deduction of withholding tax that the ministry was required to deduct and remit. The under-deduction breached Nigeria’s withholding tax requirements under the Companies Income Tax Act.