How Nigeria’s Humanitarian Ministry Illegally Transferred N1.4 billion into Private Accounts 2019-2023

A recent investigation by Premium Times has uncovered a staggering case of financial malpractice within Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. Between 2019 and 2023, over N1.4 billion was illegally transferred into the private bank accounts of eight ministry officials, according to data obtained from Govspend.

The transfers, in direct violation of financial regulations governing public finance, occurred under both the tenure of suspended Minister Betta Edu and her predecessor, Sadiya Farouq. Both ministers are currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption.

The suspended Minister, Betta Edu, faced public outrage following revelations of her approval of a N583 million transfer into a private account. However, the malpractice appears to have been entrenched within the ministry, dating back to the tenure of Mrs. Farouq.

The suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, faced similar allegations, leading to the suspension of all four programmes administered by NSIPA. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive review of the programs’ operations.

Within four years, the ministry transferred public funds into the accounts of eight officials, including Balogun Ibrahim, Ahmed Bomai, Oni Samuel O, Adelana Kazeem, Oyegbile Adeniran, Attahiru Zagga, Umar Idris, and Ezenekwe Chibuzor. These transfers, totaling 118 transactions, raised serious concerns over the misuse of public funds.

Detailed examination of the transactions revealed alarming patterns. For instance, Balogun Taiwo Ibrahim received N557.8 million in 43 tranches, with suspicious titles such as “Being payment ‘iro’ correspondence with the national council on climate change.” Similarly, Ahmed Bomai received N266.2 million, including funds supposedly allocated for flood victims in Lagos and Ogun states.

The ministry’s use of private accounts has been identified as a means to conceal bribes and other illicit activities. Notably, a N20.3 million transfer was described as “logistics for the production of budget defense for various committees,” hinting at potential illegal settlements with lawmakers.

Despite clear regulations prohibiting the transfer of public funds into private accounts, the ministry defended its actions, citing operational challenges and high staff turnover. However, experts argue that such practices not only violate the law but also undermine efforts to curb corruption and promote transparency.

The Nigerian government’s failure to enforce existing regulations highlights systemic weaknesses in financial management. Despite investments in platforms like the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System (GIFMIS), instances of fund mismanagement persist, raising questions about accountability and oversight.

Efforts to address these challenges require a concerted approach, including strict enforcement of regulations, transparent oversight mechanisms, and enhanced accountability measures.