HURIWA, SERAP seek probe into alleged diversion of N34.53trn, N800bn funds

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have called for investigations into alleged diversion of public funds amounting to N34.53 trillion and N800 billion respectively.

HURIWA urged authorities to probe what it described as a “staggering and systemic diversion” of public funds following a World Bank disclosure that about N34.53 trillion in Federal Government revenue was withheld or deducted through opaque mechanisms between 2023 and 2025.

In a statement issued by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its national coordinator, the group said the revelation confirmed long-standing concerns about the existence of a “shadow financial system” operating within Nigeria’s public finance structure.

According to the organisation, the World Bank report indicated that about 41 per cent of federation revenue failed to reach the Federation Account due to so-called “first-line charges.”

HURIWA described the development as a major indictment of Nigeria’s fiscal governance system and warned that failure to address it could erode public trust, weaken democratic accountability and worsen economic instability.

The group argued that while Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation, unemployment and insecurity, the alleged diversion of such huge public funds reflects what it called a “morally indefensible and economically criminal arrangement.”

Meanwhile, SERAP asked Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.

In a letter signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy Director,  the organisation urged INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC regarding alleged contributions to campaign funds, including the identities of donors and the source of the funds.

SERAP also called on the electoral body to work with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations are established, including prosecution, fines and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.

The organisation said the allegations raised serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness and Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely participate in governance.

According to SERAP, opaque political financing remains a major channel for corruption and undermines democratic legitimacy, insisting that citizens deserve to know who funds political parties and candidates.