January 30, 2026 | News | Exclusive
SUNTV Global Channel has uncovered details of an alleged large-scale financial scandal involving the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and officials overseeing the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a World Bank–supported programme designed to empower poor and vulnerable women.
Multiple sources familiar with the project allege that ₦1 billion was released under a vague “consultancy” heading, without any record of services rendered, consultant names, contractual details, or supporting documentation—raising serious concerns about transparency, procurement compliance, and accountability.
Those mentioned in connection with the alleged transaction include the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Mary Jandora Sinjen; the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rev. Eric Juyoh Madu; and the NFWP Project Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Finya Yarafa.
Oversight Vacuum Allegedly Exploited
According to sources, the controversial approval was allegedly facilitated by the prolonged illness of the Taraba State Deputy Governor, who also serves as Chairman of the NFWP Steering Committee.
“The deputy governor’s incapacitation created a vacuum,” one source told SUNTV Global. “That gap was exploited to run the project without effective oversight or checks.”
Another source stressed that the ₦1 billion sum exceeds the approval threshold permitted under procurement laws for a commissioner, yet was allegedly signed off internally.
Project Purpose vs Consultancy Claims
The Nigeria for Women Project is a World Bank–backed initiative aimed at economic empowerment of women through livelihood support, skills acquisition, financial inclusion, small grants, and the formation of Women Affinity Groups.
“This project was never designed to prioritise billion-naira consultancy contracts,” a source said. “The funds are meant to reach women directly—not to enrich a few officials.”
Lifestyle Changes Raise Eyebrows
Further deepening the controversy, insiders within the Ministry of Women Affairs allege sudden and unexplained changes in the lifestyles of some officials linked to the project.
One source claimed that Permanent Secretary Rev. Eric Juyoh Madu, previously residing in a modest two-bedroom home in Jalingo, has demolished the building and commenced construction of a standard duplex.
“Where did the money come from?” the source queried.
Concerns were also raised about Project Coordinator Isaac Finya Yarafa, who sources say has previously been invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over corruption-related allegations.
ICPC Invitation and State Counsel Controversy
SUNTV Global obtained a letter dated June 27, 2024, signed by Lawan Garba, Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Ministry of Justice, requesting the release of a State Counsel to accompany the NFWP Project Coordinator and two staff members to appear before the ICPC in Abuja.
Sources questioned why a state lawyer was assigned to accompany an official facing an anti-graft investigation.
“Is this not institutional protection of alleged wrongdoing?” one source asked.
Procurement Documents Under Scrutiny
Documents reviewed by SUNTV Global include a Taraba State Procurement Plan Template for 2025, which lists a consultancy package under the Nigeria for Women Project with an estimated contract value of ₦1,000,000,000, categorised as a lump-sum consultancy with international competitive bidding.
Sources claim the entry lacked specifics on the consultancy’s scope, deliverables, or beneficiaries.
“The World Bank requires procurement plans, but it doesn’t scrutinise every line item in detail,” one source explained. “Once paperwork is accepted, funds can be released. That is how this ₦1 billion allegedly went out—without clarity, without details.”
Commissioner Denies Allegations
When contacted, Commissioner for Women Affairs Mary Jandora Sinjen strongly denied all allegations, describing them as false and malicious.
“All these claims are lies. There has never been any approval of ₦1 billion or anything close to ₦50 million in this ministry,” she said.
She acknowledged awareness of the ICPC invitation letter but insisted it was not related to corruption, stating that Taraba State had previously received recognition from the World Bank for transparency during the first phase of the project.
“The project existed before I assumed office,” she said. “Taraba was even awarded for transparency and invited to share best practices with other states.”
Reacting to the procurement document indicating a ₦1 billion consultancy, Sinjen denied knowledge of the record, insisting it did not originate from her ministry.
“I have never seen that document in my life,” she said. “If anyone has proof, let them present an official letterhead and evidence of approval. Without that, it is pure fabrication.”
Calls for Independent Investigation
Despite the denials, civil society observers and transparency advocates are calling for an independent probe into the alleged consultancy payment, the role of project officials, and the handling of oversight during the deputy governor’s illness.
As questions linger over how ₦1 billion meant for women’s empowerment was allegedly diverted, SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more facts emerge.
