A coalition of more than 300 civil society organisations has called for the immediate investigation and possible arrest of officials of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) over an alleged expenditure of N339 million on a capacity-building training programme for 120 stakeholders.
The groups, under the umbrella of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), described the reported spending as excessive and inconsistent with the principles of transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds.
This is contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by CSAACAO National President, Comrade Solomon Adesina, and National Secretary, Barr. Fatima Ibrahim
The coalition said payment records allegedly obtained from the Govspend portal indicated that the sum of N339 million was paid on June 19, 2026, for the conduct of a capacity-building training programme involving 120 PAP stakeholders in Abuja.
The organisations expressed concern over the amount reportedly spent on the programme, arguing that it raises questions about value for money, compliance with procurement procedures and financial accountability.
According to the coalition, the expenditure translates to about N2.8 million per participant.
“As civil society organisations committed to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, we consider this expenditure not only outrageous and insensitive but also a direct assault on the collective aspirations of millions of Nigerians who continue to suffer from economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and inadequate social services,” the statement said.
The groups noted that the allegation comes amid previous reports concerning financial activities within the Presidential Amnesty Programme, including claims of large payments made into private accounts under the scheme.
They maintained that public officials must be held accountable for the management of public resources.
“We wish to state categorically that no public official, regardless of status or political connections, should be allowed to treat public resources as personal property,” the coalition stated.
The coalition subsequently demanded the immediate invitation, interrogation and investigation of all officials involved in the approval, processing and disbursement of the alleged N339 million payment.
It also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a forensic investigation into the transaction and other related expenditures under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
In addition, the groups urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to determine whether procurement laws and financial regulations were violated.
They further requested that the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme be summoned by relevant committees of the National Assembly to explain the circumstances surrounding the expenditure.
Other demands include the publication of the identities of beneficiaries, service providers, consultants and contractors connected to the training programme, as well as the release of procurement documents, approvals, contracts, attendance records and a detailed financial breakdown of the exercise.
The coalition also called for the suspension of any official found to have participated in the approval or execution of the expenditure pending the outcome of investigations, alongside the recovery of any funds found to have been improperly spent.
The civil society groups commended President Bola Tinubu for his repeated commitment to fighting corruption and urged him to ensure an independent and transparent investigation into the matter.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for repeatedly declaring that his administration will not tolerate corruption and financial recklessness in public service. We therefore urge the President to demonstrate this commitment by ensuring that a transparent and independent investigation is carried out without interference,” the statement added.
The coalition stressed that the Niger Delta continues to face significant developmental challenges, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure, adding that resources allocated to the Amnesty Programme should be directed toward addressing those concerns.
It warned that if anti-corruption agencies fail to act within 14 days, it would mobilise citizens for peaceful protests and explore all lawful means to pursue accountability.
“The Coalition and CSAACAO shall continue to monitor developments closely. Should the relevant anti-corruption agencies fail to act within 14 days, we shall mobilise citizens across the country for peaceful protests and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability.
“Nigerians deserve answers.
“Public funds must be protected.
“Those responsible must be held accountable.”