Tinubu-approved funds for information agencies stalled as permanent secretary withholds clearance

Funds approved by President Bola Tinubu for key agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation have reportedly been delayed following a disagreement over the release process.

The affected agencies include the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and other government information bodies.

According to a report by Premium Times, the delay occurred after Binyerem Ukaire, permanent secretary in the ministry, reportedly declined to approve the payment documents because heads of the agencies did not honour her request to appear before her.

The funds, which were approved about three weeks ago, were meant to support the operations and ongoing activities of the agencies. However, the exact amount approved has not been disclosed.

Sources cited in the report said Ukaire requested that the agency heads make presentations on their activities, ongoing projects, and plans for using the funds before approval would be granted.

The request was reportedly rejected by some agency heads, who argued that such presentations were outside the normal working relationship between ministries and government-owned agencies.

Some officials, who spoke anonymously, said the delay had affected projects and disrupted the operations of the agencies.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, was said to have intervened in the matter, but the disagreement reportedly remained unresolved.

One agency head, according to the report, argued that heads of government-owned agencies are accountable to their governing boards and supervising minister, rather than directly to permanent secretaries.

The dispute has also raised questions about the relationship between ministries and government-owned agencies, particularly regarding financial control.

A 1999 circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) stated that government-owned agencies are created with a level of independence to allow them operate effectively.

The circular advised supervising ministries against taking over the daily management of such agencies or interfering unnecessarily in their finances.

It also stated that ministries should not redirect funds meant for agencies to other ministry activities or compel agencies to pay for expenses unrelated to their operations.

However, it remains unclear whether the 1999 circular is still applicable.

Responding to the report, Ukaire confirmed that the funds had not yet been released but said the payment process was ongoing.

The delay comes amid wider concerns from federal lawmakers over slow implementation of government budgets, with many projects affected by delayed funding and inadequate cash releases.