ICPC probes Perm Sec over delayed Tinubu-approved agency funds.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the alleged withholding of operational funds approved by President Bola Tinubu for six federal information agencies by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mrs.

Binyerem Ukaire.
The investigation follows reports by Premium Times alleging that the Permanent Secretary failed to process payment files for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), despite presidential approval. The delay reportedly affected the operations of the agencies, with sources alleging that Mrs. Ukaire insisted that agency heads make detailed presentations on their projects and financial utilisation before the payments could be processed.
Agency heads and civil service experts reportedly argued that the demand contravened established procedures. They cited a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which directs supervising ministries not to interfere in the financial administration of parastatals, noting that the agencies are accountable to their governing boards and supervising ministers rather than the Permanent Secretary for routine operational releases.
In response to the allegations, the ICPC invited Mrs. Ukaire and the heads of the affected agencies for questioning to determine the circumstances surrounding the delayed funds. Although those invited were questioned, no one was detained, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the report and the ICPC’s intervention, Mrs. Ukaire reportedly approved the payment files and forwarded them for disbursement. Heads of the affected agencies confirmed that the documents have now been transmitted and are awaiting final release into their respective accounts, bringing relief after months of uncertainty.
Source: Rewritten from a report by Premium Times without altering the original facts.