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November 24, (THEWILL) – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over N57 billion in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as reported in the 2021 audit by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
In a letter dated November 23, 2024, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also raised concerns over alleged missing funds amounting to hundreds of billions of naira in various ministries, departments, and agencies.
SERAP emphasised that the allegations amount to “stealing from the poor,” urging Tinubu to ensure those responsible face prosecution and that missing funds are fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.
It further suggested that recovered funds could be used to address Nigeria’s budget deficit and reduce the country’s mounting debt crisis.
The organisation specifically requested that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and relevant anti-corruption agencies be directed to investigate the claims outlined in the Auditor-General’s report.
According to the 2021 audit report, SERAP noted that over N54.6 billion allocated for monthly stipends to N-Power Batch C1 volunteers between August and December 2021 was not directly paid to beneficiaries, raising suspicions of diversion.
It also stated that N2.6 billion meant for the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme during COVID-19 was unaccounted for, as the programme was reportedly not executed despite payments to contractors.
Meanwhile, the Ministry also allegedly spent over N78 million on a COVID-19 response survey without proper documentation or approval, sparking fears of fund mismanagement.
Another N39.5 million labelled as “personal donations” was reportedly reimbursed directly to the former minister, with no detailed accountability provided.
It further noted that the Auditor-General recommended that the missing funds be recovered and remitted to the treasury, while those implicated should face appropriate sanctions.”
SERAP expressed concerns over systemic corruption in MDAs, which it described as detrimental to Nigeria’s economic stability and governance.
The group called for the enforcement of a Federal High Court judgement ordering the government to release details of how N729 billion was spent under the tenure of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
SERAP urged the Tinubu administration to act on its recommendations within seven days or face potential legal action in the public interest.
“Taking decisive action would demonstrate your administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and addressing impunity,” the letter stated.
