The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has intensified pressure on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged misappropriation of over ₦57 billion from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.
The group also flagged discrepancies involving hundreds of billions of naira across other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as detailed in the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
In a letter dated November 23, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called for immediate action to recover the missing funds and prosecute those responsible.
The letter described the allegations as “stealing from the poor” and emphasized the urgent need to address the systemic corruption depriving Nigerians of essential resources.
According to the report:
- *N54.6 billion meant for monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and trainees was not directly paid to beneficiaries, raising concerns of potential diversion.
- *N2.6 billion allocated for a COVID-19 school feeding program was reportedly unaccounted for, with no evidence the program was executed.
- Over ₦78 million was spent on a COVID-19 response survey without proper approval or documentation.
- ₦39.5 million was listed as “personal donations to different personalities” and allegedly reimbursed directly to the former minister.
SERAP noted that these discrepancies underscore deep-rooted corruption in the ministry, which was tasked with alleviating poverty among Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
SERAP urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and relevant anti-corruption agencies to probe the allegations and recover stolen funds.
The organization emphasized that recovered funds could be used to address Nigeria’s growing budget deficit and mounting debt.
“Prosecuting the allegations and recovering any missing public funds would improve the chances of success for your government’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and end the impunity of perpetrators,” SERAP stated.
The group further called for an immediate moratorium on government borrowing, arguing that addressing corruption within MDAs would significantly alleviate Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.
They also urged President Tinubu to enforce a 2021 Federal High Court judgment ordering the release of spending details for ₦729 billion managed by former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
SERAP warned that failure to act within seven days could result in legal action to compel compliance.
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable,” the letter emphasized.
The organization’s plea aligns with growing calls for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship.
SERAP’s demands represent a test for the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption agenda and its commitment to restoring public trust in governance.