In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, addressed the public outcry regarding her ministry's expenditure. Specifically, she defended the allocation of N1.5 million for fueling six vehicles in her convoy during an official trip to Anambra State.The minister’s explanation comes in the wake of a heated exchange with members of the House of Representatives, who questioned various expenditures under her ministry’s purview. These expenditures included N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and the aforementioned N1.5 million for petrol.
Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed surprise at the scrutiny her expenditures received, particularly the N1.5 million for fuel. She highlighted that her convoy comprised several vehicles necessary for official duties, including staff buses and security vehicles.“When I was explaining, they (lawmakers) wouldn’t even give you a chance to explain. They will tell you to just say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ How can I say yes or no without an explanation?” the minister lamented during her interview.The minister’s stance underscores broader issues of transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s governmental spending. While acknowledging the need for accountability, Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the practical necessity of her convoy’s operational costs, especially in fulfilling her duties effectively across different states.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some questioning the appropriateness of such expenditures in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges, while others defend the minister’s right to allocate resources for official functions.
