The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sounded the alarm over the alleged theft or diversion of over ₦57 billion from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a letter dated November 23, 2024, the rights group urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action against corruption in the ministry.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the situation as “stealing from the poor” and called for justice and accountability.
The allegations stem from the 2021 audited report released by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP demanded that the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, alongside anti-corruption agencies, launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
The group emphasized that those responsible should face prosecution and that all missing funds should be recovered.
“Nigerians Are Paying the Price for Corruption”
SERAP lamented the impact of corruption on ordinary Nigerians.
In the letter, Oluwadare stated, “Poor Nigerians continue to pay the price for grand corruption in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other MDAs.”
The organisation highlighted specific instances of unaccounted funds detailed in the Auditor-General’s report.
One major concern was the alleged diversion of ₦54.6 billion meant for the monthly stipends of N-Power Batch C1 beneficiaries from August to December 2021.
The report noted that the money was not directly paid to beneficiaries, raising fears of diversion.
The Auditor-General called for the recovery of the funds and sanctions against those responsible.
Missing Funds for School Feeding Program
SERAP also flagged the ministry’s failure to account for ₦2.6 billion allocated to the Homegrown School Feeding Programme during COVID-19.
According to the Auditor-General, the programme was never executed despite payments to five contractors to distribute palliatives in Kano, Zamfara, and Abia states.
“There is no trace of the programme being carried out,” the report stated, adding that the funds may have been diverted.
Allegations of Fraudulent Expenses
Other discrepancies highlighted by SERAP include:
- ₦78 million reportedly spent on an unapproved survey of the ministry’s COVID-19 response.
- ₦39.5 million allegedly used for “personal donations to different personalities.”
- Payments made directly to the former minister for reimbursement.
The Auditor-General warned that these funds may have ended up in private pockets or with incompetent contractors.
SERAP Demands Immediate Action
SERAP urged President Tinubu to take decisive steps within seven days to address the allegations.
“If no action is taken, we will pursue legal measures to compel the government to act,” the letter warned.
The group argued that recovering the funds would help reduce Nigeria’s budget deficit and growing debt burden.
They also called for a moratorium on government borrowing.
“The People Deserve Restitution”
SERAP stressed that public funds should be used for the benefit of Nigerians.
“These allegations must be promptly investigated, and the perpetrators named, shamed, and prosecuted,” Oluwadare said.
The group added that addressing corruption would reinforce the government’s commitment to fighting impunity.
Previous Judgment Ignored
SERAP reminded Tinubu of a 2021 Federal High Court ruling in Lagos, which ordered the release of details on ₦729 billion spent by former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
The funds were allocated for humanitarian projects under the Buhari administration.
SERAP demanded immediate enforcement of the judgment.
A Call for Transparency
SERAP’s letter concluded with a strong appeal for transparency and accountability.
“Tackling corruption in MDAs is essential to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges,” the group stated.
Nigerians are now waiting to see if Tinubu will act decisively or allow the allegations to fade into obscurity.