In recent developments, the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, by President Bola Tinubu has stirred public discourse surrounding allegations of financial impropriety. The revelation that she authorized the transfer of N585.2 million of public funds into a private account has sparked concerns about financial transparency within government entities.
However, upon thorough investigation conducted by the One Love Foundation, it has come to light that such malpractices extend beyond Ms. Edu and are prevalent across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. Our analysis of data sourced from Govspend, a platform dedicated to tracking government expenditure, reveals a staggering figure of at least N159.6 billion being channeled into private accounts by MDAs over a span of six years.
While these findings do not absolve Ms. Edu of any culpability, they underscore the systemic nature of the issue within the Nigerian government. Notably, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta emerges as a significant offender, with a total payment of N8.3 billion made in 130 transactions to Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, a former Niger Delta militant.
Additionally, the Nigerian office of the New Partnership for African Development(NEPAD), aimed at poverty eradication, is implicated, having disbursed N1.5 billion in 111 transactions to Afangekung Mfon Okon.
Numerous other MDAs have also been found to engage in multiple transactions funneling public funds into private accounts, including the Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Women Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The prevalence of such irregularities extends into recent years, with over N13.6 billion being diverted into private accounts in 2023 alone, in violation of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009. Noteworthy instances include the Office of the SGF, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and various parastatals.
For instance, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta directed N4.72 billion into individual accounts of camp leaders in the Niger Delta region, amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.
Despite mandates for oversight, several MDAs have been embroiled in controversy. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development have come under scrutiny for disbursing at least N918.5 million into private accounts. Similar irregularities have been observed in the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
In light of these findings, it becomes imperative to address systemic flaws and enforce accountability measures. Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009 unequivocally prohibit the transfer of public funds into private accounts, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in financial management.
As we delve deeper into these issues, the One Love Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. It is essential to hold those responsible for mismanagement of public funds accountable and work towards fostering a culture of integrity within government institutions.
Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor
Founder, One Love Foundation
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