The first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been overshadowed by allegations of financial misconduct.

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The Ministry of Youth Development reportedly spent N20 million in violation of financial regulations to invite 50 youths from across Nigeria’s 36 states to the presidential villa.

This is according to information gathered by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

President Tinubu, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, swiftly implemented policy changes aimed at economic reforms, including the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy.

This move led to an immediate increase in the cost of living and elicited mixed reactions from experts and the general public.

To commemorate his first year in office, the presidency organised a celebratory event at the villa.

In preparation for this milestone, the Jamila Ibrahim-led Ministry of Youth Development allocated N20 million to facilitate the attendance of youths from various states.

The ministry made two separate payments of N10 million each to one Dahiru Jibril on 25 May 2024. Despite serving the same purpose, each payment had a different payment number.

Descriptions for both payments, as found on the Govspend portal, stated: “Being payment for invitation of 50 youths from 36 states of the federation to participate in the celebration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year anniversary at the presidential villa.” The payment codes were 1001185448-1 and 1001185448-2.

However, by paying this money into a private account, the ministry violated Nigeria’s Financial Regulations. Chapter 7, Section 713 of the 2009 regulations clearly states: “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account. Any officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.”

This incident is not isolated.

FIJ previously reported a similar violation when the State House headquarters made a N10 million payment to a private account on 15 March 2024 for purchasing consumables for Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The revelation of these financial irregularities casts a shadow over the celebratory event and raises questions about the administration’s commitment to financial probity.