***Indicates approval for flight tickets, taxi for non-existent airport in Kogi
Even though the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has denied involvement in the alleged N3 billion National Social Investment Programme Agency’s (NSIPA) fraud, alleged Leaked internal memo seemed to be tightening the noose around her.
The memo indicated that the Minister, approved funds to the tune of N2,515,000 for her advanced team to Lokoja as cost for flight tickets and airport taxi.
The memo which was initiated by the Programme Manager in charge of Grant for Vulnerable Groups, dated 6th November, 2023 titled: “The Disbursement Under the 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups Programmes in Kogi State, 2023”, urged the Minister to approve various sums of money for air transportation to Lokoja.
The details of cost implication showed that there are 3,000 beneficiaries to be disbursed with N20,000 each to the tune of N60 million and logistics for disbursement showed a sum of N3 million, totaling N63,000.
The template of disbursement under subheading showed the serial number, number of days to be spent in Kogi by the Minister’s advanced team, name and designation of officers, Grade Level, Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for five nights in Kogi, local running at 30% of DTA, flight ticket and airport taxi in Lokoja.
It is a well established fact that there is no airport in the entire Kogi State, The last helipad owned by Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Company in Kogi Central Senatorial District has been destroyed for close to 30 years ago and has been overgrown with weeds.
Though, there is an airstrip owned by the Dangote at Its Cement factory in Obajana, it is not opened for commercial flights
The beneficiaries of the acclaimed disbursement are yet to get alerts, despite approval of the memo by the Minister.