SERAP Tinubu NIGCOMSAT Fraud: Group Demands Probe Into ₦2.9bn Allegations
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into alleged ₦2.9 billion missing or mismanaged funds within the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
In a letter dated April 11, 2026, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, alongside the agencies’ leadership, to account for the funds.
The development, which concerns federal agencies operating in Nigeria (specific office locations were not specified in the original report), follows revelations contained in the Auditor-General’s report published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to act or risk legal action.
Auditor-General Report Raises Red Flags
According to the report, several financial irregularities were uncovered at both agencies, indicating systemic weaknesses in accountability and compliance.
Key Findings in NIGCOMSAT
The Auditor-General flagged multiple issues, including:
- ₦465 million spent on an “unauthorised investment” in Gicell Wireless Ltd
- No approval from:
- Minister of Science and Technology
- Accountant-General of the Federation
- No evidence of investment appraisal by a qualified analyst
- Over ₦3 million in irregular staff payments without documentation
- ₦4.3 million in questionable rent payments with no refund evidence
- Failure to remit over ₦507 million in internally generated revenue
- Missing accountability for over ₦6 million in undelivered store items
- Irregular transfer of ₦84.78 million with no clear utilisation records
The report stated there was “no evidence of how the transferred funds were spent.”
Financial Irregularities in NNRA
The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) also came under scrutiny for several financial lapses:
- ₦4.35 million spent on training with no proof it occurred
- ₦16.7 million paid for ICT equipment without approval
- ₦33.4 million spent on items never supplied
- Lack of documentation for multiple operational payments
- Failure to retire over ₦6.5 million in staff cash advances
- ₦2.05 million for foreign training without participation evidence
- ₦1.95 million in revenue not recorded in official cashbooks
These findings raised concerns about compliance with both financial and safety regulations in a critical national agency.
SERAP’s Demands and Legal Threat
SERAP described the situation as a “grave violation of public trust” and a breach of Nigeria’s anti-corruption obligations.
The organisation called for:
- Immediate investigation by:
- Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)
- Anti-corruption agencies
- Identification and prosecution of responsible individuals
- Full recovery of diverted or missing funds
- Disclosure of shareholders in companies linked to suspicious transactions
It specifically demanded that NIGCOMSAT reveal the beneficial owners of a company that allegedly received ₦465 million.
SERAP warned:
“Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution… and any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered.”
Strategic Importance of NIGCOMSAT and NNRA
SERAP emphasised that both agencies play crucial roles:
- NIGCOMSAT – Nigeria’s digital communications infrastructure
- NNRA – National nuclear safety and regulatory compliance
The group warned that mismanagement could:
- Undermine technological development
- Threaten public safety
- Weaken Nigeria’s digital economy
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
SERAP cautioned that failure to act could have wider consequences:
- Erosion of public trust in government institutions
- Weakening of anti-corruption frameworks
- Loss of critical development resources
It stated:
“These allegations, if left unaddressed, will continue to undermine public confidence…”
Source Verification and Additional Context
The claims are based on the Auditor-General’s official report and SERAP’s communication.
As reported by Channels Television, which published the original details of the allegations, the findings reflect broader concerns about financial accountability in public institutions.
➡️ You can read the original report via this Channels Television report on the SERAP Tinubu NIGCOMSAT fraud case
At the time of reporting:
- No official response from the Presidency was confirmed
- No agency has publicly addressed the allegations
👉 This could not be independently verified beyond the Auditor-General’s findings and SERAP’s claims.
What Happens Next?
The next steps will depend on the Federal Government’s response within the seven-day window.
Possible outcomes include:
- Formal investigation by EFCC or ICPC
- Administrative sanctions
- Legislative oversight hearings
Failure to act could result in legal action by SERAP, potentially escalating the issue into a judicial process.
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