HURIWA Demands Independent Probe into Alleged N8.8tn Off-Budget Expenditure

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent investigation into allegations that about N8.8 trillion was spent outside the country’s approved budget.

The group said the claims, if proven, would amount to one of the most serious breaches of fiscal transparency in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the allegation, reportedly contained in the International Monetary Fund’s Article IV Consultation and echoed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, required a transparent forensic investigation rather than political arguments or official rebuttals.

According to the organisation, public expenditure running into trillions of naira cannot be allowed to exist outside the constitutional budgetary process without legislative approval and public accountability.

It argued that the matter raised fundamental questions about compliance with the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Public Procurement Act and other financial regulations governing public expenditure.

HURIWA also criticised the explanation reportedly offered by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, describing it as insufficient in light of the seriousness of the allegation.

The group maintained that Nigerians deserved a comprehensive public disclosure, backed by documentary evidence, showing the legal basis, appropriation approvals, expenditure records and audit trail for every fund allegedly spent outside the approved budget.

“Public accountability cannot be replaced with administrative explanations. Only an independent forensic investigation can establish the facts and restore public confidence in the management of national resources,” the statement said.

It urged President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry comprising respected jurists, forensic auditors, chartered accountants, civil society representatives and financial crime experts to investigate the allegation.

The rights group also called on the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight powers by conducting a public hearing into the alleged off-budget spending.

“Nigerians deserve to know how such enormous sums were allegedly expended outside the framework of legislative appropriation,” it said.

HURIWA further urged anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, to commence coordinated forensic investigations into the matter.

It said any public official found culpable after the investigations should be prosecuted, irrespective of status or political affiliation.

The organisation also demanded the recovery of any public funds found to have been unlawfully diverted or spent outside constitutional safeguards, insisting that such funds should be returned to the Federation Account.

According to HURIWA, the allegation comes at a time millions of Nigerians are struggling with rising inflation, unemployment and worsening economic conditions, making accountability in public finance even more critical.

It added that the issue transcended partisan politics and touched directly on the credibility of Nigeria’s public financial management system and democratic institutions.

The group urged the media, civil society organisations, professional bodies and development partners to support calls for a transparent investigation free from political interference.

It maintained that transparency, accountability and strict adherence to constitutional procedures remained essential to sustaining public confidence in governance.