CSOs Seek Probe Over N339m Presidential Amnesty Programme Training Cost

A coalition of over 300 civil society organisations has called for an investigation into the alleged expenditure of N339 million by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) on a training programme for 120 stakeholders, describing the spending as excessive and difficult to justify.

The groups, operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), also urged anti-corruption agencies to interrogate officials involved in the approval and disbursement of the funds.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its National President, Comrade Solomon Adesina, and National Secretary, Barrister Fatima Ibrahim, the coalition said records allegedly obtained from the Govspend portal showed that N339 million was paid on June 19, 2026, for a capacity-building programme held for 120 stakeholders in Abuja.

According to the groups, the reported expenditure translates to approximately N2.8 million per participant, a figure they said raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability and value for money.

The coalition argued that the alleged spending was coming at a time many Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, unemployment and inadequate social services.

“As civil society organisations committed to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, we consider this expenditure not only outrageous and insensitive but also a direct assault on the collective aspirations of millions of Nigerians,” the statement said.

The organisations noted that the allegation adds to previous concerns raised about financial activities within the Presidential Amnesty Programme and stressed that public officials must be accountable for the management of public funds.

“We wish to state categorically that no public official, regardless of status or political connections, should be allowed to treat public resources as personal property,” the coalition stated.

The groups subsequently demanded the immediate invitation, interrogation and investigation of all officials involved in approving, processing and disbursing the alleged payment.

They specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence a forensic investigation into the transaction and other related expenditures under the Amnesty Programme.

The coalition also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to determine whether the payment complied with procurement laws and other financial regulations.

In addition, the groups asked relevant committees of the National Assembly to summon the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to provide explanations regarding the expenditure.

They further demanded the publication of the identities of beneficiaries, consultants, contractors and service providers connected with the training programme, alongside the release of procurement records, approvals, contracts, attendance lists and a detailed financial breakdown of the exercise.

According to the coalition, any official found to have played a role in the approval or execution of the expenditure should be suspended pending the outcome of investigations, while any funds found to have been improperly spent should be recovered.

The organisations, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for repeatedly expressing his administration’s commitment to combating corruption and financial recklessness in public service.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for repeatedly declaring that his administration will not tolerate corruption and financial recklessness in public service. We therefore urge the President to demonstrate this commitment by ensuring that a transparent and independent investigation is carried out without interference,” the statement added.

The coalition maintained that the Niger Delta still faces critical developmental challenges, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits, arguing that resources allocated to the Amnesty Programme should be channelled towards addressing those concerns.

It warned that if anti-corruption agencies fail to take action within 14 days, the groups would mobilise citizens for peaceful protests and pursue other lawful measures to ensure accountability.

“The Coalition and CSAACAO shall continue to monitor developments closely. Should the relevant anti-corruption agencies fail to act within 14 days, we shall mobilise citizens across the country for peaceful protests and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability,” the statement said.