Nigeria's Senate has resolved to investigate the Safe Schools Initiative after concerns over N144 billion in spending and ongoing school security issues.
The Senate's ad hoc committee will examine the initiative's funding, implementation and outcomes. Lawmakers seek details on how the funds were used and why schools remain vulnerable despite the spending.
The programme began after the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction with an initial N20 billion allocation. In 2023 the Federal Government announced a N144.8 billion plan covering 2023 to 2026.
School abductions have continued and spread across regions. A recent planned abduction in Edo State was foiled by the DSS with help from local residents.
