The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability has made clarification to allegations against the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance concerning Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Executive Director, Center for peace, Transparency and Accountability, Patrick Ogheneyero, made the clarification, at a press briefing, on Thursday, in Abuja.
It could be recalled that recently a committee in the House of Representatives on finance levied accusations against (NLTF) concerning alleged irregularities in financial spending.
Ogheneyero, clarifying, stated that these claims centered on the agency’s purported failure to account for N6 billion (IGR) in 2022 and unauthorized spending of N2 billion in 2023.
He said that the actions of NLTF are legally grounded and aligns with the mandate established by law.
He said these projects span various crucial sectors, including sports development, education, social services, public welfare, and disaster management, adding that the agency highlights the oversight and approval process involving the president and the board of trustees in project selection, underlining the legitimacy of their endeavors.
“The NLTF refers to the Act that formed it, particularly highlighting section 40, which grants the Fund the authority to utilize its IGR for projects aimed at enhancing the lives and welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“Critically, the NLTF emphasizes that all its actions are in accordance with legal provisions and the Act’s guidelines, making its spending justifiable and directed towards the betterment of the Nigerian populace.