In a bid to curb corruption in Nigeria’s response to Covid-19 pandemic, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has commenced investigations regarding some cases of distribution of palliatives and the use of funds for the purpose by some public institutions.
ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, made this known during a virtual meeting on Covid-19 fund management and monitoring.
He says investigations are ongoing in cases of distribution of palliatives and the use of funds connected with the pandemic by some public institutions. He was specific about release and distribution of grains from the strategic food reserve, instance of agencies involved in fraudulent purported procurement of Covid-19 palliatives, Personal Protective Equipments and community enlightenment activities.
In collaboration with the the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Nigeria Social Investment Office, NSIO and some relevant non-governmental organisations, the ICPC monitors the distribution of Conditional Cash Transfers, and distribution of palliatives via emergency procurement.
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The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation also harped on Financial Transparency Policy, stating that all the requirements shall be complied with in the release of funds.
It says all the records of supplies and locations should be properly kept including Store Receipt Vouchers, Delivery Notes and Invoices. Details of all Covid-19 contracts, procurement, and projects are to be made available to the public not later than 5 days after being awarded.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
