Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the alleged mismanagement of N33.75 billion meant for cash assistance to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana called on the anti-graft agency to collaborate with the Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira, to trace and recover the funds and ensure that any officials found responsible face prosecution.
The demand came after the Auditor-General raised concerns about the government’s inability to present adequate documentation confirming that the funds were received by legitimate beneficiaries among over 3.29 million vulnerable households.
The issue was highlighted in the Auditor-General’s 2024 Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weaknesses in Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Reacting to the report, Falana said the findings pointed to possible serious shortcomings in the administration of resources designed to support Nigerians living in poverty. He therefore urged the EFCC to commence an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion.
He also asked relevant authorities to conclude ongoing investigations involving former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, and former National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) chief executive, Halima Shehu.
According to Falana, Farouq had previously faced investigation over allegations involving more than N37.1 billion in suspected money laundering, while Shehu was suspended and interrogated in connection with alleged questionable financial transactions.
The SAN further appealed to the Federal Government to put stronger safeguards around the $3.05 billion development package announced by President Bola Tinubu in July 2026.
He warned that the programme should not be exposed to the kinds of alleged financial irregularities associated with earlier social intervention initiatives.
Falana suggested establishing an independent monitoring structure that would include reputable civil society organisations to ensure that funds are properly distributed to the people they are intended to assist.
He noted that the Auditor-General’s latest findings demonstrated that accountability challenges persisted despite steps taken to connect beneficiaries’ records with their Bank Verification Numbers and National Identification Numbers.
The senior lawyer called for a determination of whether the inability to account for the N33.75 billion was caused by bureaucratic failures, fraudulent activities or deliberate criminal diversion.
