The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara (photo), is currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of illegally adding figures to the 2016 budget after being passed by the parliament.

This was revealed in a letter from the anti-corruption agency dated June 9. According to the agency, the speaker and three other principal officers added figures in excess of N40 billion ($125 million) to the 2016 budget.

The allegations against the officials were made last year by Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation. Jibrin had claimed that up to 10 committees of the House introduced projects worth about N284bn ($888million) into the budget.

The Crimes Commission says investigations have commenced and the former Chairman has been invited to come forward and clarify the allegations.

President Muhammadu Buhari, before coming to power vowed to weaken Boko Haram, tackle corruption and improve Nigeria’s economy.

As part of the anti-corruption campaign, the Federal Government in December 2016, launched a whistleblower platform with the aim of encouraging anyone in the possession of information to report it for investigation.

Through the platform the Nigerian government has received about 2,150 communications and 337 tips through the Whistleblower Units’ dedicated channels from several Nigerians. This has led to the recovery of substantial assets illegally acquired by individuals across the country.

Anita Fatunji