The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged fraud and diversion of public funds linked to her time in office.
The development has generated widespread reactions across social media, especially among former beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N-Power programme and other social intervention schemes supervised under the ministry during the Buhari administration.
Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 and became widely recognized for overseeing several Federal Government empowerment programmes, including N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and other National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP).
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Why the EFCC Declared Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted
According to an official wanted notice released by the EFCC, the former minister is being investigated over allegations involving:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Abuse of office
- Diversion of public funds
The anti-graft agency disclosed that Sadiya Umar Farouq, aged 52, is from Zamfara State, while her last known address was listed in Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC also urged members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office or the nearest security agency.
The announcement immediately drew public attention due to the former minister’s connection to major government intervention programmes that impacted millions of Nigerians.
Reactions from N-Power Beneficiaries and Nigerians
Shortly after the EFCC published the wanted notice, many Nigerians particularly former N-Power beneficiaries — took to social media to react to the development.
Several beneficiaries expressed frustration over unresolved payment issues, delayed stipends, and challenges experienced during the implementation of the programme under the ministry.
Some of the reactions surfaced in the comment section of the EFCC’s official Facebook page, where affected beneficiaries shared their disappointment and grievances.
The reactions reflect years of complaints from some participants who claimed they experienced payment delays and uncertainty during the transition and restructuring phases of the N-Power programme.
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About the N-Power Programme
N-Power was introduced by the Federal Government as part of its social investment initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and improving employability among Nigerian youths.
The programme provided beneficiaries with:
- Monthly stipend
- Skills acquisition opportunities
- Training and work placement
- Digital and vocational empowerment support
Over the years, N-Power became one of Nigeria’s most recognized empowerment programmes due to its nationwide reach and large number of participants across different states.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was responsible for supervising the programme during Sadiya Umar Farouq’s tenure as minister.
EFCC Calls for Public Cooperation
The EFCC has appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that may assist in locating the former minister.
The commission emphasized that individuals with relevant details can report to:
- Any EFCC office nationwide
- The nearest police station
- Other security agencies
As of the time of this report, there has been no official public response from Sadiya Umar Farouq regarding the allegations or the EFCC declaration.
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Final Note
The latest development has once again brought renewed public attention to issues surrounding the management of social intervention programmes in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians, especially former beneficiaries of government empowerment initiatives, are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue.
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