The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent investigation into allegations of off-budget expenditure amounting to about ₦8.8 trillion, saying the claims raise serious questions about fiscal transparency, constitutional governance and accountability in the management of public funds.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the allegations, highlighted during the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation and referenced by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should be subjected to a transparent forensic investigation rather than political exchanges.
The association maintained that if the allegations are proven, they could represent one of the most significant cases of fiscal opacity in Nigeria’s democratic history. According to the group, public spending running into trillions of naira should not occur outside the statutory budget process without legislative approval and public accountability.
HURIWA described the response credited to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy as inadequate considering the seriousness of the allegations. The organisation urged the Federal Government to publish documents outlining the legal basis, appropriation approvals, expenditure records and audit trail relating to any off-budget expenditure allegedly incurred outside the approved national budget.
It also called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry made up of jurists, forensic auditors, chartered accountants, civil society representatives and financial crime experts to examine the allegations thoroughly. In addition, HURIWA urged the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight role by convening a public hearing into the reported expenditure.
The association further appealed to 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 undertake coordinated forensic investigations.
According to HURIWA, any public official found culpable after due process should be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while any funds established to have been unlawfully diverted or spent outside constitutional provisions should be recovered and returned to the Federation Account.
The group stressed that the issue goes beyond partisan politics, describing it as one that touches on constitutional governance, fiscal discipline and public confidence in the management of national resources. It also appealed to the media, civil society organisations, professional bodies and development partners to support efforts aimed at ensuring a transparent and independent investigation into the alleged off-budget expenditure.
HURIWA maintained that a credible investigation would strengthen public trust in government institutions and reinforce accountability in public finance management. The organisation urged all relevant authorities to ensure that the allegations are investigated openly and that any findings are addressed in accordance with Nigeria’s laws and constitutional provisions.
