Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, of ignoring a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking clarification on a series of corruption allegations within the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the group had written to the minister on February 10 requesting official information on several alleged cases of financial impropriety reported by insiders within the ministry.
According to the civil rights group, the allegations include a purported plan to auction the only functional Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) purchased for the official use of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, as well as claims of excessive fuel allowances paid to top officials.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHURIWA said it had received complaints from more than a dozen senior officials working at the ministry’s headquarters at Radio House in Abuja, alleging that some top officials receive over ₦1 million monthly as fuel allowance, an amount the group claims exceeds the threshold recommended by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The group also alleged that a senior accounts official in the ministry has been extorting money from contractors and consultants working with the agency, claiming that the officer allegedly collects payments through his wife’s bank account. HURIWA said the official, who is due to retire in April after reaching the statutory service limit, declined to respond when contacted.
“After identifying ourselves and the reason for the call, the officer ended the call abruptly,” the group said, adding that a staff member later contacted HURIWA to claim someone had used the organisation’s phone line to call the official.
The advocacy group further alleged that some officials entitled to personal assistants had instead employed relatives for the role, paying them salaries allegedly comparable to that of a Deputy Director within the civil service structure.
In its FOI request, HURIWA asked the ministry to clarify whether there was a plan to auction the SUV meant for the Permanent Secretary and whether the bidding process, if ongoing, was transparent and monitored by civil society organisations.
The group also demanded details of petrol allowances paid to the minister, the Permanent Secretary and directors, including the amounts paid and the accounts into which the payments were made. It further requested the names and employment status of personal assistants attached to the minister and the Permanent Secretary, as well as their remuneration.
Additional questions raised by the organisation included the procedures for paying contractors and safeguards in place to ensure transparency, as well as the total funds spent on the ministry’s delegation to the civil service games reportedly held in Adamawa State last year.
HURIWA said instead of providing written responses to the FOI request, the ministry allegedly directed a Deputy Director in charge of Protocol and Public Relations to invite the group for a private meeting an invitation the organisation said it declined.
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According to the group, the request was made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (Nigeria), which guarantees citizens the right to access information held by public institutions.
The organisation described the alleged refusal to respond as “unfortunate and shocking,” arguing that the ministry responsible for public information should be at the forefront of promoting transparency and accountability in government.
HURIWA also claimed that after its FOI letter was received by the ministry, files relating to the alleged auction of the SUV reportedly went missing from offices within the ministry.
It alleged that a senior official nearing retirement may be attempting to acquire the vehicle at a significantly reduced price through a non-transparent process.
“These are allegations, but anti-corruption agencies should investigate and determine their credibility,” the group said.
HURIWA added that it plans to formally petition relevant anti-graft agencies to probe the claims and ensure accountability if any wrongdoing is established.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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