SERAP Demands Probe Into Alleged ₦94.4bn Oil-Sector Irregularities

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate alleged financial irregularities involving more than ₦94.4 billion at two petroleum-sector institutions. SERAP gave the President seven days to act on the allegations and warned that it could take legal action if the demands were not addressed. The organisation said the allegations were contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report. The institutions mentioned are the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. SERAP alleged that public funds had been diverted, unremitted, unaccounted for or irregularly spent. The organisation called for the recovery and remittance of any affected funds to government coffers and the prosecution of anyone found culpable after investigation. SERAP also asked that audited financial statements relating to the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund be published. The allegations have attracted attention because of the importance of the petroleum sector to Nigeria’s economy and government revenue. However, the allegations remain claims requiring investigation and should not be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing. A proper investigation would be expected to determine what happened to the funds and whether any individuals or institutions breached financial regulations. The development has once again placed transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector at the centre of public discussion.

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