Femi Falana demands EFCC probe into missing N33.75bn social safety funds

Falana urges anti-graft agency to arrest officials over unaccounted cash transfers

Human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute government officials involved in the alleged diversion of N33.75 billion earmarked for social cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians, according to reporting by The Punch.

Falana’s demand follows findings by the Auditor-General of the Federation highlighting unverified disbursements within the nation’s social safety net scheme. The senior advocate urged anti-corruption operatives to collaborate with the Auditor-General’s office to track, recover the missing funds, and bring all responsible actors to trial without delay.

Highlighting concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s broader $3.05 billion development and poverty alleviation package supported by the World Bank, Falana emphasized the urgent need for strict oversight mechanisms. He recommended establishing an independent monitoring committee composed of credible civil society organizations to ensure public funds reach their intended impoverished beneficiaries.