The Nigerian government has committed to spending a total of N195 billion on the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) from 2026 to 2028, aimed at rehabilitating ex-militants from the Niger Delta region.

Planned Budget for the Amnesty Programme

According to a review of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2026–2028 fiscal years, the government has earmarked N65 billion annually for the PAP during these three years. This planned expenditure comes after a total of N130 billion was spent on the programme between 2023 and 2024, as revealed by a separate review of the Budget Performance Document for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Concerns Over Spending and Financial Irregularities

While the government has spent significant sums on the Amnesty Programme, concerns have been raised regarding financial irregularities. In November 2024, a report by the Auditor-General of the Federation revealed that over N6 billion was withdrawn without proper auditing. Among the key issues highlighted was the payment of tuition fees to universities for students under the PAP, with no supporting documentation such as receipts, admission letters, or proof of payment.

The report pointed out violations of financial regulations, specifically Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations 2009, which requires services to be paid for only after they have been performed or goods supplied. The audit also revealed that N1.53 billion was paid out without adequate records, a clear breach of the financial guidelines.

Additionally, the report highlighted weaknesses in the internal control systems within the PAP office in Abuja, with no responses obtained from PAP management when efforts were made to clarify the issues.

Other Financial Concerns

Further revelations showed that N3.62 billion had been raised without undergoing internal audit checks. The audit also noted instances where cash advances of over N200,000 were given to officers for procurement purposes, exceeding the approved limits. Additionally, there were no records showing that items purchased for the programme were properly accounted for in the store ledger.

Calls for Accountability

The findings of the audit report have raised serious concerns over the management of the Amnesty Programme and the transparency of its financial processes. Critics have called for better oversight, stronger financial controls, and more accountability to ensure that the programme fulfills its intended purpose of rehabilitating former militants while also addressing these financial irregularities.