SERAP Urges Tinubu to Probe Alleged Missing N57bn in Humanitarian Ministry, Recover Public Funds

• SERAP has urged President Tinubu to investigate allegations of over ₦57 billion missing from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in 2021
• The organization highlighted multiple financial misappropriations in government programs, emphasizing the need for accountability and recovery of missing funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into allegations of over ₦57 billion missing, diverted, or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The request, made in a letter dated November 23, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, also highlights concerns about hundreds of billions of naira reportedly unaccounted for across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), based on the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Key Allegations in the Auditor-General’s Report

1. N54.6 Billion for N-Power Stipends: Between August and December 2021, funds intended for monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees were allegedly not directly paid to beneficiaries. The Auditor-General fears these funds may have been diverted.
2. N2.6 Billion for School Feeding Programme: Five contractors for Kano, Zamfara, and Abia states were reportedly paid funds for the COVID-19 homegrown school feeding programme, but the programme was never executed.
3. N78 Million for COVID-19 Survey: The Ministry spent over ₦78 million on an unapproved survey for its COVID-19 response, raising concerns about misappropriation.
4. N39.5 Million in Personal Donations: Personal donations paid directly to the former minister as reimbursement were allegedly unaccounted for.
5. N400 Million for Independent Monitors’ Stipends: The last quarter of 2021 payments to 4,450 independent monitors were reportedly untraceable.
6. N287 Million to Contractors: Payments made without proper documentation or justification.
7. Other Allegations: Separate allegations of misappropriation involving ₦729 billion from previous years were also cited.

SERAP urged Tinubu to:

• Direct the Attorney-General and anti-corruption agencies to investigate these allegations.
• Prosecute individuals responsible if sufficient evidence is found.
• Recover all missing funds and allocate them to cover the 2025 budget deficit.
• Issue a moratorium on further borrowing to address Nigeria’s debt crisis.

The organization warned that failure to act within seven days would compel it to initiate legal proceedings to ensure compliance in the public interest.

“This is stealing from the poor,” SERAP stated, emphasizing that addressing these allegations would restore public trust, enhance government credibility, and advance Nigerians’ rights to transparency and good governance.

SERAP underscored the need for immediate action to combat corruption, ensure justice, and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over the impunity of public officials.