In a recent development that has sparked controversy, the Nigerian government, led by President Tinubu, has been paying substantial sums into the private accounts of former militant leaders. This practice, which appears to contradict fiscal regulations, has raised eyebrows and prompted a deeper look into the country's spending practices.
A Troubling Trend
According to a review of the public payments portal, Govspend, the Nigerian government has paid over N2 billion into the personal accounts of four ex-militants during the 2025 fiscal year. This revelation is particularly concerning given the country's fiscal provisions that discourage such payments into private accounts.
One of the recipients, Odiki Jacob, received a total of N228.8 million in 2025 alone. The payments, described as "bulk stipends" for camp leaders, were made on a monthly basis, with each payment amounting to over N30 million. Similarly, Dasimaka Adokiye Sami, another ex-militant, received a staggering N1.465 billion into his personal account during the same period.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the regularity and consistency of these payments. It raises questions about the nature of these stipends and the underlying motivations. Are these payments part of a larger amnesty program, or are they indicative of a more complex and potentially problematic relationship between the government and former militant groups?
A History of Spending
This is not an isolated incident. A previous review of the budget performance document for the fourth quarter of 2024 revealed that the Nigerian government spent a substantial N65 billion on the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the 2024 fiscal year. The same amount was spent in 2023, indicating a consistent and significant financial commitment to this program.
In total, between the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, a staggering N130 billion was spent on the PAP, which is aimed at ex-militants from the Niger Delta region. This level of spending warrants a closer examination, especially in light of the recent revelations about payments into private accounts.
Auditing Concerns
Adding to the concerns, a report by the Auditor-General of the Federation exposed a withdrawal of over N6 billion without proper auditing processes. This included the payment of tuition fees for students under the PAP without records of their identity.
The report highlighted a blatant disregard for financial regulations, with N1.53 billion paid as tuition fees without supporting documents. This constitutes a breach of Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations, 2009, which clearly states that payment should not be made for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.
Furthermore, there were widespread breaches of Paragraph 603(i) of the FR 2009, which requires vouchers to contain detailed information about each service, including dates, numbers, quantities, distances, and rates.
These auditing concerns further complicate the narrative and raise questions about the transparency and accountability of the government's spending practices.
Broader Implications
The payments into private accounts and the lack of proper auditing processes are indicative of a larger issue within the Nigerian government's financial management. It highlights a potential lack of oversight and control, which can have far-reaching implications for the country's economy and its reputation on the global stage.
From my perspective, this is not just a matter of financial mismanagement but also a potential threat to the country's stability and its efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
The Nigerian government must address these concerns promptly and transparently to restore public trust and ensure that its financial practices are in line with the country's fiscal regulations and international standards.
