LAGOS, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of failing to investigate allegations that over N57 billion in public funds were missing, diverted, or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.
In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group detailed the allegations outlined in the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and criticized the government for inaction.
The case, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, also names Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi as a respondent. SERAP is demanding a probe into the allegations.
“Investigating these allegations and prosecuting those responsible would end the impunity of perpetrators and recover missing funds,” SERAP stated in court filings. “The allegations amount to stealing from the poor and violate Nigeria’s Constitution and international anti-corruption obligations.”
Allegations of Mismanagement
The Auditor-General’s 2021 report accuses the ministry of failing to account for N54.6 billion earmarked for stipends for N-Power volunteers, N2.6 billion for the homegrown school feeding program during COVID-19, and N78 million for an unapproved survey on COVID-19 responses.
The report also highlights payments of N400 million for stipends to monitors, N287 million to contractors without proper documentation, and N39.5 million labeled as “personal donations” directly reimbursed to the minister.
“The money may have been diverted and should be recovered,” the Auditor-General urged in the report.
SERAP’s Legal Demands
SERAP’s lawsuit calls on the court to compel President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General to work with anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute those implicated, provided sufficient evidence exists.
The organization is also seeking the recovery of all missing funds and emphasizes the broader consequences of corruption on public welfare.
“Corruption exposes citizens to additional costs for basic services like health and education. The impunity must end,” SERAP stated.
Broader Context
The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s public finances and concerns over systemic corruption in ministries, departments, and agencies. SERAP warns that the unaddressed mismanagement contributes to Nigeria’s budget deficit and mounting debt.
“This is not just about missing billions—it’s about justice for the poor who continue to bear the brunt of grand corruption,” the organization said.
Legal and Constitutional Basis
Citing provisions in Nigeria’s Constitution and international conventions, including the UN Convention against Corruption, SERAP argues that the government has a legal obligation to investigate and sanction those involved in graft.
The group also highlighted previous findings of unaccounted funds in other agencies, calling for a more comprehensive crackdown on corruption.
No date has been set for the hearing of the suit.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
