SERAP Calls For Accountability Over Missing Funds In Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

SERAP Calls For Accountability Over Missing Funds In Ministry Of Humanitarian AffairsThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into the alleged theft of over ₦57 billion from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021, as revealed in a recently released audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a letter dated November 23, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization raised concerns about the widespread mismanagement of public funds, not only in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs but also across other federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). SERAP claims that hundreds of billions of naira remain unaccounted for in various government institutions.

The group has urged President Tinubu to ensure that anyone implicated in the alleged theft is held accountable, with prosecution following if sufficient evidence is found. SERAP also demands that the missing funds be fully recovered and returned to the national treasury.

In addition, SERAP recommends that any recovered funds be redirected to address the budget deficit for 2025 and help alleviate Nigeria’s growing debt crisis. The organization further calls for an immediate moratorium on new government borrowing to relieve the nation’s financial strain.

Part of the letter states, “The allegations amount to stealing from the poor. There is a pressing public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these serious claims. Poor Nigerians have long suffered due to the corruption rampant in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as in other MDAs.”

According to the 2021 audited report from the Auditor-General, the Ministry failed to account for over ₦54 billion intended for monthly stipends for Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021. The funds, which were not paid directly to the intended beneficiaries, have raised concerns that they may have been diverted. The Auditor-General has called for the money to be recovered and returned to the treasury, with those responsible for the diversion facing sanctions in accordance with financial regulations.

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