More than 300 civil society organisations have called for an immediate investigation into the alleged expenditure of N339 million by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) on a capacity-building training programme involving 120 stakeholders.
The groups, operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), also urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute officials linked to the reported expenditure.
In a statement jointly signed by the coalition’s National President, Comrade Solomon Adesina, and National Secretary, Barrister Fatima Ibrahim, the organisations described the alleged spending as excessive and inconsistent with the principles of transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
According to the coalition, records allegedly obtained from the Govspend portal showed that N339 million was paid on June 19, 2026, for a capacity-building programme involving 120 stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Abuja.
The groups questioned the value for money of the expenditure, noting that the amount translates to approximately N2.8 million per participant.
“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 who continue to suffer from economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and inadequate social services,” the statement read.
The coalition said the allegation adds to existing concerns over financial activities within the Presidential Amnesty Programme, including previous reports of large payments allegedly made into private accounts under the scheme.
While stressing the need for accountability in public service, the organisations maintained that public funds must be managed in a manner that reflects the interests of citizens.
“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.
Among its demands, CSAACAO called for the immediate invitation, interrogation and investigation of all officials involved in the approval, processing and disbursement of the alleged payment.
The coalition also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a forensic investigation into the transaction and other related expenditures under the Amnesty Programme. It further called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to determine whether procurement regulations and financial management laws were breached.
In addition, the groups requested that the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme appear before relevant committees of the National Assembly to explain the circumstances surrounding the expenditure.
The coalition also demanded the publication of the identities of beneficiaries, consultants, contractors and service providers linked to the training programme, as well as the release of procurement documents, approvals, contracts, attendance records and a detailed breakdown of the expenditure.
It further called for the suspension of any official found to have participated in approving or executing the payment pending the outcome of investigations and the recovery of any funds found to have been improperly spent.
The organisations commended President Bola Tinubu for his public commitment to fighting corruption and urged him to ensure that any investigation into the matter is conducted independently and transparently.
“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 noted that the Niger Delta region continues to grapple with challenges such as youth unemployment, environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure, arguing that resources allocated to the Amnesty Programme should be directed towards addressing those needs.
It warned that if relevant anti-corruption agencies fail to take action within 14 days, the groups would mobilise citizens for peaceful protests and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability.
