Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the failure to account for N33.75 billion in cash transfers meant for vulnerable Nigerians and to recover the money if it was diverted.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, issued the demand in a statement on Sunday. It followed the Auditor-General for the Federation’s 2024 annual report on non-compliance and internal control weaknesses in federal ministries, departments and agencies. Auditor-General Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira raised concerns that the Federal Government could not provide enough evidence the funds reached genuine beneficiaries.
The money was intended for more than 3.29 million vulnerable households under the National Social Investment Programme. Falana noted that the shortfall was especially troubling given the safeguards the government had introduced to track beneficiaries and keep out ghost recipients.
The National Social Investment Programme Agency, created under a 2022 law, is responsible for major interventions including N-Power, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, the National Cash Transfer Programme and the National Social Safety Net Programme. The agency has faced repeated allegations of financial misconduct involving officials.
Falana recalled that former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq was investigated by the EFCC over alleged money laundering involving more than N37.1 billion. He also pointed to the suspension of former minister Betta Edu after a December 2023 memo directed the transfer of N585 million in intervention funds to a private bank account, and the suspension and questioning of former NSIPA chief executive Halima Shehu over suspicious fund movements.
He said the EFCC should finish its investigations into these matters and publish its findings. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should liaise with the Auditor-General of the Federation with a view to recovering the missing N33.75 billion,” Falana stated. He added that those involved in what he called the shameful diversion of funds for the poor should be arrested and prosecuted without delay.
Falana also expressed concern about a $3.05 billion package of development programmes announced by President Bola Tinubu in July 2026, backed by the World Bank and aimed at reducing poverty, building human capital and expanding economic opportunities. He urged the government to ensure the money reaches its intended recipients and proposed that a body of credible civil society organisations be set up to oversee disbursement. Stronger accountability measures, he said, are needed to stop public officials from misusing funds meant for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
