COVID-19: SERAP seeks probe of ‘missing billions’ in water ministry, agencies

By Adebisi Onanuga

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Minister of Water Resources Engr. Suleiman Adamu, to clarify the action he has taken to find the alleged billions missing from the Ministry and its agencies

SERAP said if there is relevant admissible evidence of corruption and mismanagement, he should refer the allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.

The request was contained in a Freedom of Information request dated February 27, 2021, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare an sent to the Mnister by the organisation.

The letter is copied to Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN) and Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.

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SERAP gave the Minister 14 days to respond to its request failure of which it said “the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your Ministry to implement these recommendations in the public interest, and to promote transparency and accountability in the water sector.”

It also urged then Water Resources Minister to “ensure the full recovery of any missing public funds, revealed in the 2017 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

The organisation said it is important for the Minister to address the allegations satisfactorily adding, “recovering any missing public funds is a critical matter of public health, human rights, transparency and accountability. The COVID-19 crisis makes this action all the more urgent.”

SERAP said: “Knowing how the Ministry has responded to the queries from the Auditor-General, and ensuring a thorough investigation and prosecution of these allegations would end impunity for corruption in the water sector, serve the public interest, as well as help to improve access of Nigerians to clean water and sanitation services.

“Millions of Nigerians continue to lack access to an improved water source and access to proper sanitation. Limited availability of water in public hospitals makes it difficult for health professionals and the public to wash their hands – restricting the ability of people to respond to COVID-19.”