HURIWA alleges corruption in Ministry of Information, demands investigation into SUV auction, other financial irregularities

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused top officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation of widespread corruption and financial mismanagement, including a purported plot to auction off the ministry’s only functional SUV designated for the Permanent Secretary.

In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the ministry, HURIWA sought clarifications on multiple allegations, including the payment of fuel allowances exceeding one million Naira per month to senior officials—an amount reportedly above the threshold approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.

The civil rights group also highlighted claims that a senior accounts officer allegedly extorted funds from contractors and consultants using his spouse’s bank account and is scheduled to retire in April 2026

Attempts by HURIWA to contact the officer were reportedly blocked, with his staff later claiming that HURIWA’s office had called the official. Other alleged abuses include the hiring of relatives as personal assistants, who reportedly receive salaries equivalent to Deputy Directors, despite not being permanent staff.

HURIWA further accused the ministry of ignoring its FOI request. “The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, received our letter dated February 10, 2026, but failed to respond.

Instead, a Deputy Director of Protocol and Public Relations invited us for a private discussion, which we rejected because our request was clear and unambiguous,” said Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA.

The FOI request outlined specific demands, including: Confirmation of any plan to auction the Permanent Secretary’s SUV, the transparency of the bidding process, and the identities of any Civil Society Organizations observing it.

Details on petrol allowances for senior officials, including payment methods and compliance with legal standards.

Names, status, and salaries of personal assistants to the Minister and Permanent Secretary.

Procedures for contractor payments and accountability safeguards.

Funding details of a sports delegation sent to the Civil Service Games in Adamawa.

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HURIWA criticized the ministry for allegedly violating the FOI Act, which guarantees public access to information held by public institutions, stating that the law promotes transparency, accountability, and public oversight of government finances.

“The refusal to provide the requested information is both shocking and unfortunate. It undermines the principles of openness expected under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” HURIWA said. The group has announced plans to report the allegations to anti-corruption agencies for further investigation.

According to HURIWA, since the submission of the FOI request, files related to the SUV auction have reportedly disappeared from ministry offices. The association warned that the top official allegedly involved may attempt to purchase the vehicle at a heavily discounted price, raising further concerns about transparency.

Comrade Onwubiko emphasized that these are allegations that require verification by anti-graft authorities to determine their credibility.