The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Nigerian government is investigating allegations that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation paid public funds into a private account.
“The President has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details,” Mohammed Idris said in a statement on Sunday January 7, 2024.
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The Minister said the government is committed to transparency and accountability, and will ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and punished.
The statement came amid widespread reports on social media and online platforms that the humanitarian ministry, which oversees the distribution of relief and welfare programmes to millions of Nigerians, had transferred funds to an account linked to a private individual.
Idris urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds, and to rely on the ministry as the primary source of verified information.
He warned against “various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet” that could mislead the public.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to fight corruption and improve governance in Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.
