PLSI urges EFCC, ICPC to recover over N103bn, $950k from 31 indicted MDAs

|By Adejumo Adekunle

…Group backs House report exposing procurement violations, demands swift anti-graft action
…Auditor-General’s review reveals financial recklessness in key federal institutions

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been urged to launch full investigations into 31 federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) accused of financial infractions totalling ₦103.8 billion and $950,912.

Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a civic accountability group, made the appeal in a statement shared Wednesday via its official X handle.

The petition stems from a detailed examination of the Auditor-General’s reports for 2019 and 2020 by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Hon. Bamidele Salaam. The report indicted the 31 MDAs for gross financial irregularities, particularly around procurement practices, internal control failures, and unauthorized spending.

According to PLSI, this marks a historic milestone as it is the first time Nigeria’s federal legislature has concluded such a thorough audit exercise since the return to democracy in 1999.

“We welcome the resolution by the House of Representatives to indict erring MDAs for financial infractions,” PLSI stated. “Following this resolution, we are petitioning EFCC and ICPC to swiftly recover the unaccounted funds, which are tied to procurement violations, mismanagement, and systemic lapses.”

The organization added that it would closely monitor the actions of the anti-corruption agencies to ensure the recovery of public funds and enforcement of accountability.

“This level of oversight by the legislature is crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It must not end at recommendations,” PLSI added.

The indicted agencies have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.