FG-approved funds for NTA, FRCN, VON frozen as PS Ukaire demands agency presentations
Funds approved by President Bola Tinubu approximately three weeks ago to support operations of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation—including NTA, FRCN, VON, NOA and NBC—have remained frozen for over a week without official explanation. Premium Times reports that Permanent Secretary Binyerem Ukaire refuses to approve payment files, demanding agency heads present detailed activity reports and fund utilization plans before releasing funds. Agency heads, speaking anonymously to avoid victimisation, argue her demand violates established civil service practice and an SGF circular stating ministries should not interfere in parastatal finances. Although Minister Mohammed Idris intervened, Ukaire insists presentations must precede disbursement. One agency head confirmed the delay has stalled projects and disrupted official activities across the agencies. This impasse compounds existing budget implementation challenges under the Tinubu administration, where delayed cash backing for approved appropriations has forced MDAs to slow or suspend capital projects. If funds remain undisbursed, ongoing projects face further delays, contractors may encounter payment backlogs, and agencies could struggle to meet 2026 budget performance targets.