The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been called upon to investigate 31 federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) over alleged financial infractions totaling ₦103.8 billion and $950,912.

The call was made by a civil society group, Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), following the release of a damning report by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.

The report, based on the 2019 and 2020 Auditor-General’s reports, was reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee chaired by Bamidele Salaam. It is the first time since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 that such an in-depth legislative audit has been completed.

PLSI described the findings as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for transparency and accountability, and urged anti-corruption agencies to act swiftly.

The financial irregularities involve issues like procurement violations, unauthorised spending, poor internal controls, and fund mismanagement.

“This is a huge opportunity for anti-graft agencies to step in and recover public funds,” PLSI stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We will follow up to ensure EFCC and ICPC do the needful.”

The group also noted that it would formally petition both EFCC and ICPC to recover the funds and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

With growing concerns about public sector accountability in Nigeria, this development is expected to put pressure on both government agencies and anti-corruption bodies to act decisively.