The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged mismanagement of ₦57 billion in public funds within the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The organization made the appeal on Sunday in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The call follows revelations from the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which highlighted significant financial irregularities in the ministry.
According to SERAP, the alleged missing funds include over ₦54.6 billion meant for paying stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021.
The report indicated that the funds were not directly disbursed to beneficiaries, raising concerns of diversion.
The Auditor-General recommended that the funds be recovered and those responsible for any diversion face sanctions in line with financial regulations.
In its statement, SERAP emphasized the gravity of the allegations, describing them as an egregious breach of public trust and a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and anti-corruption laws.
“The allegations amount to stealing from the poor,” the group stated.
“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.
Those responsible must be punished, and the missing funds fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
SERAP also expressed concerns over the broader issue of corruption within government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), noting that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is not the only entity implicated in financial mismanagement.
The group cited reports of hundreds of billions of naira allegedly unaccounted for in other MDAs, which it described as a systemic issue undermining governance and public trust.
SERAP called on President Tinubu to direct Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and relevant anti-corruption agencies to urgently investigate the allegations, recover any stolen funds, and ensure accountability.
“The persistent corruption in MDAs continues to worsen the plight of millions of poor Nigerians,” the group said.
“It is essential that President Tinubu takes decisive action to address this rot and restore faith in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”
The Office of the Auditor-General’s 2021 report has reignited public discourse on the need for enhanced oversight and stricter enforcement of financial regulations within Nigeria’s public sector. Meanwhile, the presidency is yet to issue an official response to SERAP’s demands.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
