Alleged ‘Monumental Fraud’ At Industrial Training Fund: Nigeria Advocacy For Transparency Lists 5 Immediate Demands

Alleged ‘Monumental Fraud’ At Industrial Training Fund

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Abubakar Doma Haruna, Chairman, Nigeria Advocacy for Transparency (NAT) has alleged that there is wholesale corruption in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is a Nigerian government agency established on 8 October 1971, by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Industrial Training Fund Act.

Its primary mission is to provide skills acquisition and industrial training programs across Nigeria, with the aim of developing the nation’s human resources to support industrial growth and economic diversification.

A petition signed by Abubakar Doma Haruna and addressed to President Tinubu listed five demands as reproduced below

To: His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja.

Subject: Urgent: Corruption and Abuse of Power in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

Introduction

It is with great concern that we bring to your attention the rampant corruption and abuse of power in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a federal government parastatal responsible for promoting industrial development and training in Nigeria. The current Director-General, Dr. Afiz Ogun, has been accused of mismanaging funds, embezzlement, and perpetuating ethnic bias in the institution.

Mismanagement of Funds

The ITF has been plagued by financial irregularities, including the mismanagement of funds meant for the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and the Skill-Up Artisan Programme (SUPA). Billions of naira were spent, but less than a reasonable number of artisans were trained, and many remain unpaid. The DG has been accused of using these funds to award contracts to his cronies without following due process.

Buying of SUV for Directors while Refusing to Implement 2024 Minimum Wage

Despite the government’s directive to implement the 2024 minimum wage, the DG has refused to comply, citing lack of funds. However, he has been lavishing his directors with brand-new SUVs, a clear indication of the mismanagement of funds in the institution.

Lack of Transparency in Procurement

The procurement process in ITF is shrouded in secrecy, with contracts awarded to favored individuals and companies without competitive bidding. This has led to monumental fraud, with millions of naira being siphoned from the institution, exemplified by the construction of the ITF fuel dump at the ITF headquarters, with unclear millions of naira spent on the project.

Monumental Fraud in SUPA

The SUPA programme, meant to train artisans and boost Nigeria’s economy, has been turned into a cash cow for the DG and his cohorts. The programme has been marred by irregularities and the inflation of training costs.

Transfer of Staff out of Headquarters to allow Yoruba Dominance

Staff from other regions have been transferred out of the headquarters in Jos, making way for Yoruba-speaking individuals to dominate the institution. This has created an unhealthy work environment, with many staff members feeling marginalized and discriminated against.

Employment of 90% Yoruba Everyday into the Fund

The DG has been accused of employing predominantly Yoruba-speaking individuals, with a staggering 90% of new recruits being from the same ethnic group. This is a clear case of ethnic bias and nepotism, which is detrimental to the institution’s growth and development.

Refusal to Work in the Headquarters Office in Jos

The DG rarely visits the headquarters office in Jos, preferring to work from Abuja or Lagos. This has led to a lack of leadership and direction, with many staff members feeling abandoned and demotivated.

Recommendations

We urge your Excellency to take immediate action to address these issues, including:

1. Investigate the allegations: A thorough investigation should be conducted into the allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and ethnic bias in the ITF.
2. Remove the DG: Dr. Afiz Ogun should be removed from office, pending the outcome of the investigation.
3. Implement the 2024 minimum wage: The ITF should implement the 2024 minimum wage, and the DG should be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds.
4. Ensure transparency in procurement: The procurement process in ITF should be transparent, with contracts awarded through competitive bidding.
5. Promote staff based on merit: Staff promotions should be based on merit, not ethnicity or nepotism.

Conclusion

The situation in Industrial Training Fund ,ITF is dire and requires urgent attention. We urge your Excellency to take immediate action to address these issues and restore the institution to its former glory. The people of Nigeria are counting on you to ensure that corruption and abuse of power are eradicated in our public institutions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Abubakar Doma Haruna
Chairman, Nigeria Advocacy for Transparency (NAT)