By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria expresses profound concern over the disturbing revelations arising from the recent International Monetary Fund Article IV Consultation, which reportedly indicates that public expenditures equivalent to about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product were not reflected in Nigeria’s official budget documents.

If these revelations are accurate, they point to one of the gravest cases of fiscal opacity in Nigeria’s democratic history. A constitutional democracy cannot permit trillions of naira in public expenditure to exist outside the statutory budgetary framework without legislative oversight, public accountability and constitutional scrutiny.

The allegations, which have also been highlighted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, demand far more than political exchanges or official denials. They require a transparent, independent and forensic investigation to determine whether public funds were expended in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Public Procurement Act and other extant financial regulations.

HURIWA also finds the response credited to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to be grossly insufficient and unsatisfactory considering the gravity of the allegations. Rather than relying on broad assurances or technical explanations, the Federal Government owes Nigerians a comprehensive public disclosure, backed by verifiable documentary evidence, detailing the legal authority, appropriation approvals, expenditure records and audit trail for every kobo allegedly spent outside the published budget framework. In a constitutional democracy, 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.

Accordingly, HURIWA calls on President Bola Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry comprising respected jurists, forensic auditors, chartered accountants, civil society representatives and financial crime experts to investigate the allegations and establish the true state of affairs.

We equally call on the National Assembly to immediately invoke its constitutional oversight powers by commencing a comprehensive public hearing into the alleged off-budget expenditures. Nigerians deserve to know how such enormous sums were allegedly expended outside the framework of legislative appropriation.

Furthermore, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and every other relevant anti-corruption and oversight institution should immediately commence coordinated forensic investigations to trace every naira allegedly expended outside the approved budgetary process.

Should these investigations establish criminal diversion, misappropriation or abuse of public funds, HURIWA demands the immediate prosecution of every indicted public office holder, irrespective of political office, status or influence. No individual should be shielded from accountability where public resources belonging to over 230 million Nigerians are involved.

In addition, every public fund found to have been unlawfully diverted, misappropriated or expended outside constitutional safeguards must be fully recovered and returned to the Federation Account. At a time when millions of Nigerians face crushing inflation, widespread unemployment, rising hunger and deteriorating living conditions, every stolen or unlawfully spent public fund must be restored to the national treasury.

This matter transcends partisan politics. It goes to the heart of constitutional governance, fiscal discipline and the survival of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The credibility of government financial management is at stake, and silence or half-hearted responses will only deepen public distrust.

HURIWA therefore urges the media, organised civil society, professional bodies, development partners and all Nigerians of goodwill to insist on a transparent investigation that is free from political interference and capable of restoring confidence in public financial management.

Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where transparency triumphs over secrecy, accountability prevails over impunity, and public office remains a sacred trust rather than an avenue for unchecked financial recklessness.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The National Youth Council Coalition of Nigeria (NYCCN) has honoured the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, for his outstanding contributions to national security, peace building, institutional leadership and youth protection.

The honour was presented during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NYCCN, where the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Centre in tackling the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Eneche commended the Council for its continued efforts in promoting peace, unity and youth development across the 19 Northern states. He explained that the NCCSALW was established by an Executive Order in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari and later backed by law in 2024 after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Act establishing the Centre.

According to him, the Centre is responsible for coordinating and controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. He stressed that the fight against illegal weapons requires the collective efforts of government agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, community leaders and the youth.

Dr. Eneche identified the major causes of insecurity to include porous borders, illegal local production of firearms by some blacksmiths and the involvement of a few compromised security personnel. He also expressed concern over the use of unsuspecting women to transport illegal weapons.

He said the Centre is intensifying public awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with security agencies to reduce the circulation of illegal arms. He added that all recovered weapons are destroyed in line with international best practices and in the presence of relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency.

The Zonal Director called on the NYCCN to continue educating young people on the dangers of illegal arms, noting that youths have a vital role to play in building peaceful and secure communities. He assured the Council of the Centre’s readiness to strengthen collaboration on peace building initiatives.

Responding, the President of the NYCCN, Waziri, thanked Dr. Eneche for the warm reception and valuable enlightenment. He said the visit had strengthened cooperation between the Council and the NCCSALW in promoting public awareness, youth engagement and community participation against the proliferation of illegal arms.

Waziri described the NYCCN as the umbrella body representing youths across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. He said the organisation remains committed to youth empowerment, peace building, good governance, education, economic development and national unity.

He reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to work with the NCCSALW to promote awareness campaigns, encourage compliance with relevant laws and mobilise young people as ambassadors of peace.

In recognition of his outstanding service, the NYCCN conferred on Dr. Eneche the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award, the traditional title of “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” (Shield of Northern Youths), as well as the titles of Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation.

Presenting the awards, Waziri said the honours were approved during the 14th National Congress of the Council after a thorough assessment of distinguished public servants whose contributions have greatly advanced peace, security and development in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.

The event ended with a conference session, presentation of awards and a group photograph.

By Our Correspondent

In an effort to improve road infrastructures in the country, the Federal government on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.

This is as it approved an immediate release of N111bn to kick-start the project.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, described the project as the fourth legacy infrastructure initiative under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented by the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu said it would improve connectivity, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activities across the North-Central and North-East.

He said: “I feel highly delighted, believe me, highly delighted to be here today to commence the construction and flag off the fourth legacy projects of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Speaking also, the minister of works, Engr David Umahi said the project will feature a 12-metre-wide carriageway reinforced with high-tensile steel, alongside comprehensive drainage, bridges, street lighting, traffic safety facilities, and other ancillary works to meet international standards.

He Highlighted the phased implementation, noting that Section 2 of the superhighway has already been flagged off, while procurement is underway for Section 1, Phase 2.

Umahi stressed that the government’s systematic approach demonstrates its determination to fully develop the corridor.