Minister says N1.5m fuel for six cars to Anambra is no big deal. Learn about the context and reactions to this statement.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, defended the expenditure of N1.5m to fuel six vehicles in her convoy during a trip to Anambra State on Monday. She made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

This explanation follows a recent confrontation with members of the House of Representatives regarding unrelated expenses, such as N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and N1.5 million for petrol. Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed her surprise at being questioned about the N1.5m fuel expense, emphasizing that it was a necessary cost for the journey. She detailed the number of vehicles in her convoy and justified the expenditure, highlighting the lack of opportunity to provide a detailed explanation during the confrontation with lawmakers.

Additionally, the minister clarified her predecessor’s approval of funds for hosting schools in the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing that the budget had been finalized before she assumed her role in the ministry.

I would like to begin by stating that the budget from last year was not approved during my tenure. Furthermore, the contracts were not finalized while I was in office. The majority of the contracts were actually awarded in March, with the funds being released in May, well before my arrival in August. Upon assuming my position, I was made aware of these contracts and conducted a thorough review.

Many of these contracts have yet to be completed. Only a few files were in order, and to make matters worse, the ministry was burdened with numerous financial obligations due to insufficient funding. Consequently, those individuals who failed to fulfill their contractual obligations were among those claiming they had not been paid. Additionally, there were reports of N45 million being spent on a party.

I must reiterate that I was not involved in the budgeting process or the organization of the party. The event took place, and even the Women’s Affairs chairperson attended. Approximately 33 schools were invited, and thousands of children were in attendance. I was informed that they conducted awareness campaigns in schools, provided transportation for all attendees, distributed school bags costing N15,000 each to students, and included various items in the bags. Moreover, food was provided to all participants.

This is how the N45 million was utilized. It was the established practice prior to my appointment. Since assuming my role, I have consistently advocated for a change in approach; this is one of the practices that I would never have condoned as a minister. Unfortunately, my ability to address this issue was limited.”