HURIWA seeks probe of alleged ₦8.8tn off-budget expenditure

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is demanding an independent investigation into allegations that approximately ₦8.8 trillion in public funds were spent outside Nigeria's official budget framework. The group has described these claims as a grave concern for fiscal transparency and accountability within the nation.

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent investigation into allegations that about ₦8.8 trillion in public expenditure was incurred outside Nigeria’s official budget framework.

HURIWA noted that these allegations were highlighted during a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation and were also referenced by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The association insists that these claims warrant a transparent forensic investigation, rather than becoming a subject of political debate. If proven, HURIWA stated, this would represent one of the most significant instances of fiscal opacity in Nigeria's democratic history, arguing that trillions of naira in public spending should not occur without legislative oversight and public accountability.

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if established, the allegations would represent one of the most significant cases of fiscal opacity in Nigeria’s democratic history.

The organization found the response attributed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to be insufficient given the seriousness of the allegations. HURIWA urged the Federal Government to release documents detailing the legal basis, appropriation approvals, expenditure records, and audit trails for any funds allegedly spent outside the approved budget. They called upon President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry, composed of jurists, forensic auditors, chartered accountants, civil society representatives, and financial crime experts.

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public expenditure running into trillions of naira should not occur outside the statutory budget process without legislative oversight and public accountability.

Furthermore, HURIWA called on the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight by holding public hearings on the alleged off-budget expenditure. They also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and other relevant agencies to conduct coordinated forensic investigations. HURIWA stressed that any public official found culpable should face prosecution and that any unlawfully diverted funds must be recovered and returned to the Federation Account, emphasizing that this matter concerns constitutional governance, fiscal discipline, and public confidence in resource management.

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The association said any public official found culpable after due process should be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while any funds determined to have been unlawfully diverted or spent outside constitutional provisions should be recovered and returned to the Federation Account.