Edugate Scandal: Gbajabiamila’s Memo Sparks Controversy over N3 Billion Allocation

• President Bola Tinubu’s approval of N3 billion for the verification of the National Social Register sparks controversy amid allegations of financial irregularities
• The Edugate scandal involves several enterprises, including those owned by government officials, receiving funds from the N3 billion allocation

A memo from Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, has ignited fresh controversy in what is now being referred to as the Edugate Scandal.

The memo revealed that President Tinubu authorized the release of N3 billion to the suspended Minister to verify the National Social Register from the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The social registry was established to facilitate cash transfers and other social investment schemes.

Controversy surrounds the allocation, as several enterprises received contracts from the N3 billion fund, prompting investigations by presidential investigators and anti-graft authorities.

The subject of the memo read, “CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL; RE: APPEAL TO USE N3,000,000,000.00 (THREE BILLION NAIRA) FROM THE COVID-19 PALLIATIVE FUND FOR VERIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL SOCIAL REGISTER.”

The memo stated, “Please be advised that Mr. President has approved a N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira) expenditure from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund to verify the National Social Register. Please appreciate my highest regards. Femi Gbajabiamila, President’s Chief of Staff.”

Numerous companies, including New Planet Project Limited owned by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received substantial sums. The controversy deepens as some companies lack proper registration records or clear ownership.

Among the beneficiaries, Blue Trend Enterprise received N277.8 million, Periscope Consulting N277 million, Laitop Dynamics Interlink Services Ltd N277 million, Memak Nigeria Limited N277 million, MC Van Management Consult Limited N275.8 million, and Danzinger Nigeria Limited N275.8 million.

The scandal extends to allegations of unauthorized fund transfers and perks, with Edu accused of transferring N585 million from public funds to a private account and providing flight tickets and airport taxis for a team trip to Kogi State despite the absence of an airport.

The Edugate scandal raises concerns about financial transparency and accountability, prompting intensified scrutiny from investigative and anti-corruption authorities.