Rita Odafe
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, led by Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, faces financial challenges as it operates in a state of indebtedness, lacking adequate funds for its activities.
In a recent statement, Kennedy-Ohanenye mentioned the need to source external funds for various initiatives due to the financial constraints faced by the Ministry.
During an interview on Channels Television, the Minister disclosed the issue of outstanding debts and the utilization of ₦1.5bn to clear some of the confirmed liabilities owed to contractors who had completed their projects.
She also highlighted an altercation with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, accusing them of not allowing her to address allegations of corruption during a hearing she was invited to.
Considering the financial limitations within her Ministry, Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed her intention to seek assistance from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to settle payments owed to contractors.
“There is a significant lack of financial resources in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, forcing us to rely on external sources for funding. We have outstanding debts,” Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted.
“Only a few contractors have received certification for payment, as they have completed their projects within the specified timeframe. We face challenges in disbursing funds due to budgetary constraints,
“Efforts are being made to address this by engaging the relevant authorities for support in meeting our financial obligations to contractors who have rendered services to the Ministry,” she explained.
She further elaborated on the steps being taken to manage the financial situation, including the proposal to allocate funds for outstanding commitments within the Ministry’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Despite the challenges faced, Kennedy-Ohanenye remains committed to resolving payment issues for contractors and addressing the financial constraints within the Ministry.
Efforts are being made to streamline financial processes and allocate resources effectively to meet the Ministry’s obligations and operational needs in the future.
