According to a report by BBC Hausa, a court has issued a directive for former Nigerian Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, to provide a detailed account of the disbursement of 729 billion Naira allocated for payments to millions of impoverished citizens.
The court's decision comes amidst mounting concerns and allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency in the distribution of funds intended to alleviate poverty across Nigeria.
The court order, issued by the Federal High Court, follows a petition alleging financial misappropriation and irregularities in the handling of funds earmarked for social welfare programs during Farouq's tenure.
Critics have long questioned the effectiveness and integrity of the government's social intervention initiatives, pointing to reports of widespread corruption and the exclusion of deserving beneficiaries from the program.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, who served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under President Muhammadu Buhari, is now mandated to furnish a comprehensive breakdown of how the substantial sum was utilized.
The directive indicates growing public dissatisfaction with the handling of public funds, particularly those intended to tackle poverty and support vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
The court's decision has sparked a wave of reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and opposition figures calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the alleged financial improprieties.
Concerns over governance and financial transparency have been amplified amid ongoing economic challenges and social unrest in various parts of Nigeria.
As the case unfolds, it is anticipated that the court's scrutiny will shed light on the management of public resources and raise critical questions about the efficacy of government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation.