Funds approved by President Bola Tinubu for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation have reportedly been delayed following a disagreement over the payment process.
According to reports, the affected agencies include the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The funds, which were reportedly approved three weeks ago to strengthen the operations of the agencies, have allegedly remained unreleased for over a week.
Reports claim that the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Binyerem Ukaire, requested the heads of the agencies to make presentations on their activities, ongoing projects and proposed use of the funds before approving payment.
However, the agency heads reportedly declined, arguing that such a request was inconsistent with established civil service procedures and that they are accountable to their governing boards and the supervising minister.
Despite reported intervention by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the matter is said to have remained unresolved, with the delay affecting projects and disrupting operations within the agencies.
A 1999 circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) states that government agencies and parastatals operate with substantial autonomy and that supervising ministries should not interfere in their day-to-day administration or financial management. It is, however, unclear whether the circular remains in force.
Responding to the reports, the Permanent Secretary confirmed that the funds had not yet been released but said the payment process was ongoing. The ministry has not issued any further official statement on the matter.
