A fresh controversy has emerged within the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation after funds reportedly approved by President Bola Tinubu for several government media agencies remained unreleased more than a week after receiving presidential clearance.
The funds were earmarked for agencies under the ministry, including 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 amount approved by the President has not been publicly disclosed. (Aprokoman)
According to multiple officials familiar with the matter, the payment process has been stalled at the office of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Binyerem Ukaire, who is alleged to have withheld the payment files despite the presidential approval. (Aprokoman)
Sources told Premium Times that the delay followed a disagreement between the Permanent Secretary and the chief executives of the affected agencies. The officials reportedly declined her request to make detailed presentations outlining their activities, ongoing projects and proposed use of the approved funds, arguing that such briefings were unnecessary after presidential authorization had already been granted. (Aprokoman)
The continued delay has reportedly disrupted operational planning across several agencies, many of which depend on periodic government releases to fund broadcasting operations, staff obligations and public communication programmes.
Officials familiar with the situation expressed concern that withholding the funds could affect the agencies’ ability to carry out statutory responsibilities, particularly at a time when the government is relying heavily on public information campaigns to communicate policy initiatives and national programmes. (Aprokoman)
Neither the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation nor Mrs. Ukaire had publicly commented on the allegations as of Thursday. Likewise, the Presidency has not issued an official statement explaining the reported delay or confirming whether it is aware of the dispute.
The development comes as President Tinubu’s administration continues to emphasize improved efficiency and accountability in public finance management under its Renewed Hope Agenda. The government has repeatedly directed ministries, departments and agencies to ensure prompt implementation of approved budgets and prudent use of public funds. (State House)
Analysts say the reported impasse highlights the influence senior civil servants wield over administrative processes, even after political approvals have been granted. While Permanent Secretaries serve as accounting officers responsible for ensuring compliance with financial regulations, prolonged delays in implementing approved expenditures can have operational consequences for government institutions.
It remains unclear whether the disagreement will be resolved administratively or require intervention from higher authorities within the Presidency or the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
