Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged disappearance of N33.75 billion earmarked for vulnerable Nigerians under the National Social Investment Programme.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), cited findings in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s 2024 report, which indicated that the Federal Government could not provide adequate evidence that the funds reached the intended beneficiaries.
The money was reportedly designated for over 3.29 million vulnerable households. Falana expressed concern that the funds could not be properly accounted for despite measures introduced to improve beneficiary verification and eliminate ghost recipients.
He noted that the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), established under the NSIPA Act 2022 to oversee programmes such as N-Power and the National Cash Transfer Programme, has faced repeated allegations of financial misconduct.
Falana referenced previous EFCC investigations involving former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, as well as the suspension of former minister Betta Edu and former NSIPA chief executive Halima Shehu over separate allegations linked to public funds.
“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 said.
He added: “All the characters involved in the shameful conduct should be arrested and prosecuted without any delay.”
