The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive probe into the alleged disappearance or diversion of ₦2.9 billion from two key federal agencies: the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
The demand follows the release of the Auditor-General’s annual report on September 9, 2025, which reportedly documented significant financial irregularities within both institutions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle and released on Monday, SERAP urged the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, along with the management of both agencies, to provide a transparent account of the missing funds.
“These allegations, involving critical public institutions, represent a grave violation of the public trust and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and international obligations,” the organization stated.
According to SERAP, the stakes go beyond mere financial loss because NIGCOMSAT and the NNRA oversee Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and nuclear safety protocols. Thus, any mismanagement carries national security and developmental risks.
The organization noted that diversion of funds at NIGCOMSAT stalls technological progress and hinders the nation’s connectivity goals. Additionally, financial discrepancies within the NNRA could undermine the rigorous oversight required to ensure nuclear and radiological safety.
The advocacy group further called on President Tinubu to involve the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and relevant anti-corruption agencies in the matter. They urged these authorities to investigate all documented instances of diverted funds mentioned in the current and previous Auditor-General reports. The group also demanded the prosecution of any individuals suspected of wrongdoing, provided there is sufficient admissible evidence. Finally, they insisted that all missing public funds be recovered and remitted back to the national treasury.
SERAP maintained that holding these agencies accountable is essential for national development, noting that the waste of scarce public resources directly hinders Nigeria’s ability to achieve its strategic technological and safety objectives.
As of the time of reporting, the Presidency and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy have yet to issue an official response to the petition.