HURIWA Demands Probe Over Alleged N34.53tn Revenue Diversion, Warns of ‘Shadow Financial System’

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called for an immediate criminal investigation into the alleged diversion of over N34.53 trillion in public revenue through controversial “first-line charges,” describing the development as evidence of a “shadow government financial system” operating within Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said revelations credited to the World Bank confirmed longstanding fears that powerful institutions were allegedly retaining and spending public funds outside constitutional oversight and transparent budgeting procedures.

HURIWA said the alleged deductions, reportedly made between 2023 and 2025 before revenues reached the Federation Account, represented a grave threat to democracy, fiscal accountability, and national development.

According to the group, the revelations were particularly troubling at a time Nigerians were facing economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and declining living conditions.

“It is morally indefensible and economically criminal that over N34 trillion could disappear through a system deliberately designed to avoid transparency and public accountability,” the statement said.

The association noted claims that about 41 per cent of federation revenue allegedly never reached the Federation Account due to deductions retained under “first-line charges” by certain government agencies.

HURIWA specifically mentioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigeria Customs Service among institutions reportedly linked to the revenue-retention arrangements now attracting scrutiny.

The group argued that the development exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s public finance management system and accused the National Assembly of Nigeria of failing in its oversight responsibilities.

It also criticised anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and other institutions for what it described as silence over allegations involving trillions of naira.

HURIWA warned that continued inaction could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and democratic institutions.

The association demanded the immediate establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry, a forensic audit of major revenue-generating agencies, emergency public hearings by the National Assembly, and full public disclosure of all deductions and beneficiaries linked to the alleged revenue-retention mechanisms.

It also called for the suspension and prosecution of any public official found to have violated constitutional appropriation procedures.

The group further urged civil society organisations, labour unions, professional bodies, religious groups, and citizens to demand accountability and defend constitutional governance.

HURIWA gave the Federal Government, anti-corruption agencies, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and National Assembly leadership until noon the following day to announce concrete investigative measures regarding the allegations.