Hon Solomon AKwashiki NSHA
By Alfred M. Akwe
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has uncovered a staggering N4.5 billion World Bank loan meant for women’s empowerment that has remained untouched in government coffers.
The loan, released through the Federal Government and domiciled in the State Ministry of Women Affairs, was specifically designed for the “Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up” initiative. However, lawmakers are demanding answers as to why the funds were never disbursed to beneficiaries.
Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, raised the alarm during a public hearing in Lafia. He expressed deep concern that the state government has already begun servicing the loan, while the money itself remains unused.
“It is shocking that the World Bank released N4.5bn for women’s empowerment, yet the funds are lying idle while repayment has begun. This is unacceptable,” Akwashiki said.
The Committee has demanded a written explanation from the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Hauwa Jugbo, stressing the urgent need for transparency and accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Lawmakers further warned about the state’s rising debt profile of N81 billion, with a monthly deduction of N555 million from the Federation Account as interest payments.
Akwashiki directed all MDAs to submit their loan and debt records to the Debt Management Office within two weeks, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability. Visit www.krestnews.com for more news and updates