NDC Candidate Demands Audit of Kwara Social Investment Spending

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kwara State, Prof. Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia, has called for an independent audit of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to establish how public funds have been allocated and spent.

Ajia made the demand in a statement on Wednesday, urging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the programme’s management to provide a comprehensive account of its finances, including annual budgetary allocations, actual releases, expenditure, administrative costs and outstanding balances.

He alleged that some payments were reportedly made outside established application and beneficiary selection procedures, with certain disbursements said to fall outside recognised benefit categories. He maintained that the allegations required independent scrutiny to establish the purpose and authorisation of the transactions.

The NDC candidate called for the publication of beneficiary eligibility requirements, approved categories of assistance, payment limits and verifiable disbursement figures across Kwara’s 16 local government areas. He added that sensitive personal information belonging to beneficiaries should remain protected.

Ajia also requested explanations for payments made outside established procedures, including their purposes, approving authorities and supporting budgetary provisions.

He urged the government to disclose details of consultants, contractors and payment intermediaries engaged by KWASSIP, including their selection processes, responsibilities and fees.

According to him, the proposed audit should be conducted independently, with its scope and findings made public alongside the government’s response to any issues identified.

Ajia further called on programme officials to ensure that every public expenditure had a clear public purpose, proper authorisation and adequate documentation.

He urged relevant authorities to preserve payment instructions, beneficiary records, approval documents, bank transaction records, contracts and official correspondence for possible examination.

The candidate also called on the Kwara State House of Assembly to exercise its oversight responsibilities by conducting a transparent review of the allegations and referring credible evidence of financial misconduct to the appropriate investigative agencies.

He stressed that any recovery of funds or other accountability measures should follow lawful procedures where wrongdoing was established.

Ajia cautioned, however, that an investigation should not interrupt legitimate assistance to vulnerable residents. He also called for protection against intimidation or retaliation for beneficiaries and whistle-blowers.

He maintained that access to public assistance should not depend on political affiliation, personal loyalty or support for any officeholder, adding that social investment funds should serve their intended beneficiaries.

The demand comes as the state government continues to implement programmes aimed at supporting households, young entrepreneurs and other vulnerable groups.

On Monday, KWASSIP distributed ₦89.2 million in grants to 12 young entrepreneurs through its Youth Entrepreneurial Empowerment Scheme. The initiative is intended to support business development, encourage self-reliance and promote employment creation.

Ajia urged the state government and KWASSIP management to address the concerns through full disclosure and independent scrutiny, saying transparency would help protect beneficiaries and strengthen public confidence in the programme.