Leaked internal memo of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation showed that the Minister, Dr. Betta Edu 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.
Meanwhile, CAPITAL POST, reports that there is no airport in the entire Kogi State, not even a helipad. 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.
Our reporter also report that the beneficiaries of the acclaimed disbursement are yet to get alerts, despite approval of the memo by the Minister. However, the delay in payments could not be ascertain before filing this report.
