The Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has cautioned against a media trial over allegations of misappropriation involving the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). The group, while calling for a thorough and evidence-based investigation, stressed that allegations and audit observations should not be treated as proof of personal guilt. IADI's statement comes after a media publication on October 1, 2026, alleged that about ₦6.69 billion was involved in contract fraud and misappropriation at the NNRA.
IADI's Executive Director, Comrade Ofomhi Christopher, addressed a press briefing in Abuja, where he stated that the organisation was responding to the media publication and a protest staged by Global Integrity Watch (GIW) at the NNRA headquarters on October 5. The protest demanded accountability, responses to audit observations, and Freedom of Information requests, as well as changes in the leadership of the regulatory authority. Christopher urged all parties to allow evidence, rather than headlines or predetermined conclusions, to guide the process.
According to IADI, an audit observation is a serious matter that requires explanation and verification but does not, on its own, constitute a judicial finding of fraud or personal misappropriation. The organisation acknowledged an explanation attributed to the NNRA Director-General concerning the authority's 2024 capital budget. The NNRA's total capital budget for 2024 was approximately ₦2.7 billion, comprising about ₦200 million said to belong directly to the authority and approximately ₦2.5 billion relating to constituency projects.
IADI said it was not presenting the explanation as conclusive, but maintained that the figures should be tested against appropriation documents, budget releases, project records, procurement documents, payment records, and relevant audit reports. The organisation said allegations concerning unexecuted projects should be subjected to physical verification, while claims of inflated contract prices should be examined through contracts, bills of quantities, procurement records, and relevant price benchmarks.
IADI also addressed the October 5 protest by Global Integrity Watch, noting that civil society organisations have the constitutional right to demand accountability and organise peaceful assemblies. The organisation cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, while stressing that such rights should be exercised peacefully and within the law. On Freedom of Information requests, IADI said there should be a distinction between the right to protest and the legal remedies available where an FOI request is not answered.
The organisation urged organisers of protests at government institutions to consider public safety, access to government premises, and the safety of protesters, workers, and members of the public. IADI stressed that its position was neither to shield NNRA officials from scrutiny nor to dismiss questions surrounding public expenditure. The organisation called on relevant audit and oversight authorities to publicly clarify the status of the observations in question, responses received from the NNRA, and whether the matters had been resolved, sustained, or referred for further investigation.
IADI concluded by urging all relevant authorities and stakeholders to examine the records, answer the questions raised, and allow evidence to determine the outcome. The organisation encouraged civil society organisations pursuing accountability to make full use of available legal and institutional mechanisms while retaining their legitimate right to peaceful civic action.
Key points
- IADI cautions against media trial in NNRA allegations
- The group calls for a thorough and evidence-based investigation
- IADI stresses the importance of verifying allegations through evidence and due process
