By Chioma Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent investigation into allegations that about ₦8.8 trillion in public expenditure was incurred outside Nigeria’s official budget framework.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group described the allegations as a serious concern for fiscal transparency and accountability.
HURIWA said the claims, which it noted were highlighted during the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation and referenced by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should be subjected to a transparent forensic investigation rather than political exchanges.
According to the group, if established, the allegations would represent one of the most significant cases of fiscal opacity in Nigeria’s democratic history.
