Dr Betta Edu, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was put under investigation by a presidential decision last Monday.

Dr Betta Edu, Nigeria’s Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, is accused of diverting over 585 million naira into her personal account. This accusation was confirmed by her office, saying she had authorised the transfer to a personal account and underscored it was for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups.

As a result of this situation, President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation into her office. “A thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,” said a statement released last Monday.” President Tinubu asked Dr Edu to comply with the investigation. Emphasising the need to “regain lost public confidence”, he also called for the reform of government institutions likely the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs)  initiatives such as the Vulnerable Groups Grant aimed at tackling poverty.

Aged 37, Dr Edu is the youngest minister to serve in the government of Bola Tinubu, who was elected last year. Dr Edu is also the first minister to lose her job since President Tinubu took office in May 2023.