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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding urgent action to investigate and recover over N57 billion in missing public funds linked to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. These allegations, documented in the 2021 audited report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation, paint a troubling picture of alleged corruption, mismanagement, and diversion of resources meant for social welfare programs.

The Lawsuit: A Call for Accountability

Filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/MISC/876/2024, SERAP’s legal action seeks to compel President Tinubu to direct Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to probe and prosecute those involved. SERAP is also calling for the recovery of any diverted funds and the enforcement of sanctions against suspected perpetrators.

The legal team, represented by Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms. Oluwakemi Agunbiade, argued:

“Investigating these allegations and prosecuting those responsible will end the impunity of perpetrators and ensure justice and accountability for Nigerians.”

Damning Allegations in the Auditor-General’s Report

The Auditor-General’s 2021 report unveiled shocking discrepancies and mismanagement in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with funds earmarked for critical social programs either missing or unaccounted for. Key highlights include:

1. Unpaid Stipends to N-Power Beneficiaries

   • Over N54.63 billion meant for monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees from August to December 2021 was not paid directly to beneficiaries.
   • The Auditor-General suspects diversion and demands the funds be recovered and remitted to the treasury.

2. Home-Grown School Feeding Program Scandal

   • More than N2.6 billion allocated for school feeding during the COVID-19 pandemic was reportedly mismanaged. Contractors claimed to have procured and distributed palliatives to Kano, Zamfara, and Abia states, but there is no evidence of program execution.

3. Unauthorized Expenditures

   • Over N78 million was spent on a survey of the Ministry’s COVID-19 response without proper documentation or approval.

4. Mismanaged Personal Donations and Reimbursements

   • N39.5 million listed as personal donations was reportedly paid directly to the Minister as reimbursement, with no proper accounting or justification.

5. Unpaid Stipends for Independent Monitors

   • N400 million allocated for stipends to 4,450 independent monitors for October, November, and December 2021 remains unaccounted for.

6. Irregular Contractor Payments

   • Over N287 million was paid to contractors without adequate documentation or justification.

SERAP’s Stand: Corruption as Theft from the Poor

SERAP has emphasized that the missing funds represent more than financial discrepancies—they symbolize a systemic failure that disproportionately affects Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

“These allegations amount to stealing from the poor,” SERAP stated. “Corruption denies Nigerians access to basic health, education, and other essential services.”

The organization also argued that the failure to address corruption violates Nigeria’s Constitution, which mandates the government to prioritize social justice, equality, and the equitable distribution of resources.

Implications for Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption

SERAP’s lawsuit highlights the broader consequences of corruption in Nigeria’s ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). With an already alarming budget deficit and mounting national debt, SERAP believes that recovering these stolen funds could help alleviate financial pressures while restoring public trust in governance.

The suit also underscores Nigeria’s commitments under international agreements like the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, which obligate the government to investigate and sanction acts of corruption.

SERAP’s Demands to President Tinubu

SERAP has made specific demands of the Tinubu administration, including:

• A directive to the Attorney General and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations.
• Prosecution of any individuals or entities found culpable.
• Recovery of diverted funds and their return to the national treasury.

Broader Corruption Trends in MDAs

This case is not isolated. The Auditor-General’s report also flagged discrepancies involving hundreds of billions of naira in other MDAs, signaling a pervasive issue of corruption across government institutions.

A Test of Leadership

As President Tinubu continues to position his administration as reform-oriented, this lawsuit presents a critical test of his commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Nigerians, weary of persistent corruption scandals, are watching closely to see how the government handles this high-profile case.

Will Tinubu’s administration rise to the challenge and ensure justice, or will the allegations fade into the background like many before them? The outcome of this lawsuit could set the tone for the country’s anti-corruption fight under his leadership.

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