₦54 Billion Education Funds Controversy, FENRAD Berates Abia State Assembly for Oversight Failure

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria), a leading human and environmental rights advocacy organization, is deeply disturbed by the growing controversy surrounding the ₦54 billion reportedly allocated to the education sector in Abia State, with no Little intervention by the Abia state House of Assembly

FENRAD condemns in strong terms the silence and inaction of the Abia State House of Assembly, particularly its Committees on Public Accounts, Appropriation, and Education, whose constitutional role includes oversight of government expenditure and budget implementation. The lack of inquiry or formal investigation into this matter amounts to a dereliction of legislative duty.

“A budget is not a mere ritual; it is a contract between government and the people,” said Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria. “The legislature’s silence on this alleged misuse or misappropriation of education funds is not only disappointing but dangerous for the democratic process.”

FENRAD notes that 2024 Budget Performance Report failed to account for measurable improvements in infrastructure, teaching capacity, or student outcomes.

FENRAD’s Demands and Recommendations:

1. Immediate invitation and public questioning of the following key officials by the Abia State House of Assembly:

Commissioner for Education

Commissioner for Finance

Director-General of the Abia State Budget Office

These officials must provide clarity on:

The disbursement and utilization of the ₦54 billion allocation.

Budget performance indicators and outcome metrics.

Procurement processes and executed projects.

2. A comprehensive and independent audit of all education sector spending in Abia State from 2023 to 2025, to be conducted by the State Auditor-General in collaboration with civil society observers.

3. Public release of the 2024 Education Budget Performance Report and project execution records, in line with the principles of transparency and fiscal openness.

4. Activation of the Abia State Freedom of Information (FOI) mechanism to allow citizens and watchdog groups access to relevant data regarding the alleged fund mismanagement.

FENRAD’s Position:

The education of Abia’s children should never be a casualty of mismanagement, poor oversight, or political collusion. If ₦54 billion was indeed allocated, the people of Abia have a right to see the results—in classrooms, school roofs, teacher training, textbooks, and digital learning infrastructure.

We call on Governor Alex Otti to demonstrate transparency and accountability by ordering an internal review of the Ministry of Education’s financial records.

Likewise, FENRAD reminds the Abia State House of Assembly that its primary function is to represent the people, not to shield executive agencies from scrutiny. Any legislature that refuses to ask questions on behalf of its citizens loses its moral and constitutional authority.