Standarddailypress has obtained details of an alleged large-scale financial impropriety involving the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and officials managing the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a World Bank–supported program designed to empower vulnerable women. Sources claim that ₦1 billion was released under “consultancy” without explanation, consultant names, or supporting documentation, raising serious concerns over transparency and procurement compliance.
Officials implicated include the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mary Jandora Sinjen; the Permanent Secretary, Rev. Eric Juyoh Madu; and the Project Coordinator, Isaac Finya Yarafa. Sources allege that the absence of oversight from the Steering Committee Chairman, also the Deputy Governor, allowed the funds to be released unchecked. Sudden and unexplained changes in lifestyle of some officials were also reported.
The NFWP aims to support women through livelihood assistance, skills development, financial inclusion, and small community grants. Sources criticized the use of substantial funds for “consultancy” instead of directly benefiting women. Documents, including a letter from the Taraba Ministry of Justice requesting a state counsel to accompany the project coordinator to the ICPC, appear to support the allegations.
When contacted, Commissioner Sinjen denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations “lies and malicious.” She said the ministry had never approved such large funds and highlighted that Taraba State received a World Bank award for transparency during the first phase of the project.
