The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation into the alleged disappearance or diversion of N2.9bn in public funds involving the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
SERAP also asked the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to account for the alleged funds, alongside the management of both agencies.
In a letter dated April 11, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute those found culpable.
SERAP said the allegations were contained in the Auditor-General’s report published on September 9, 2025.
“These allegations, involving critical public institutions, represent a grave violation of public trust and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and international obligations,” the group said.
It added that accountability was necessary to protect national interests.
“Accountability in NIGCOMSAT and NNRA is critical, given their strategic roles in Nigeria’s digital economy and national safety systems,” SERAP stated.
The group also demanded that NIGCOMSAT disclose the shareholders and beneficial owners of a company that allegedly received N465m described as an “unauthorised investment.”
It warned that failure to act within seven days would trigger legal action.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days… If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action,” it said.
SERAP cited several financial infractions allegedly uncovered at NIGCOMSAT, including the N465m investment in Gicell Wireless Ltd, which it said was carried out without the required approvals.
The Auditor-General reportedly stated that the company had an authorised share capital of “one million ordinary shares of N1 each,” yet received N465m for 200,000 shares.
SERAP also listed alleged irregularities, including N3.1m in staff reimbursements without documentation, N4.37m in rent payment errors, and N3.48m spent on branding and marketing items without procurement approval.
It further alleged that NIGCOMSAT failed to remit over N507.9m in internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Other issues included N1.68bn in unrecovered debts, N84.7m transferred without justification, and N64.7m in unremitted taxes.
At the NNRA, SERAP said the Auditor-General raised concerns over multiple payments without documentation or evidence of execution.
These include N4.35m for training without proof of occurrence, N16.7m spent on ICT equipment without approval, and N33.4m allegedly paid for items that were never supplied.
It also cited N15m spent on programmes without documentation, a N1.5m cash advance for branded mugs without due process, and N6.5m in unretired advances.
SERAP added that N2.05m was paid for foreign training in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, without evidence of attendance, while N1.95m in penalty revenue was not properly recorded.
“The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted or lost,” the report stated in several instances.
SERAP insisted that anyone found responsible must be prosecuted and all missing funds recovered.
“Any official entrusted with public resources must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” it said.
The organisation warned that failure to act would erode public trust and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
