A coalition of anti-corruption civil society organisations has raised serious concerns over the alleged diversion of N20 billion at the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
During a media briefing in Abuja, coalition members expressed disappointment at the ministry’s lack of response to their enquiries regarding the allegations made under the Freedom of Information Act and the federal government’s whistleblowing policy.
The coalition comprises notable groups such as the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), the Association of Media Practitioners in Oil and Gas Producing Areas (AMEPROGAS), the Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development, and the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative (NACAT).
Convener Iteveh Nurudeen called for a thorough investigation into the ministry, citing non-execution and diversion of funds allocated for various programs, including N30.2 million for a medical outreach for ministry staff and N21.2 million for a skills development seminar in Akoko Edo Local Area, Edo State.
The coalition also highlighted the diversion of N19.3 million for skills development in Ilaje Local Area, Ondo State, N342 million proposed for rice palliatives, and N15 billion for flood relief efforts.
Nurudeen stated, “Today’s interaction with you, our media partners, is to draw the attention of Nigerians to the ongoing financial infractions under the watch of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Dr. Belgore Shuaib, and the Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, regarding their involvement in suspected corrupt practices and fraudulent disbursement of funds.”
He noted that the ministry, initially established to address development concerns in the Niger Delta region, is instead becoming notorious for corruption. The coalition has uncovered numerous documents indicating that several projects were allegedly executed only on paper while funds for development were misappropriated.
The coalition expressed concern over the ministry’s response to their request for clarification on these allegations, stating, “Up till this press time, this coalition has received zero response from the ministry over these weighty allegations.”
Further detailing the alleged diversion of N30.2 million, Nurudeen explained how the office of the Permanent Secretary broke numerous financial regulations. He cited a fictitious memo for a medical outreach program that led to the approval and withdrawal of funds without proper execution.
The coalition’s investigation revealed irregularities in the receipts used to retire the phantom project, with several addresses proving non-existent. They are prepared to escalate the matter if the ministry fails to respond, intending to submit petitions to the National Assembly, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other relevant agencies.
The coalition concluded by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure accountability and prompt action from anti-graft agencies regarding the ministry’s alleged financial mismanagement.
