NANS Demands Probe of NRS Chairman Over Alleged $279m Fund Transfer

By Najeeb Sani

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded a full investigation of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, over allegations of an unauthorised $279 million transfer from the Frontier Exploration Fund.

In a press statement signed by Jamilu Hussaini Ebbo, a copy made available to The Guardian on Saturday, Forum Chairman of NANS Zonal Coordinators for Zones A to F, the students body said the reported transaction threatens public trust and resources meant for education and national development.

According to NANS, investigative reports show that the $279 million was allegedly moved from the Frontier Exploration Fund without the approvals and statutory requirements stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

“At a time when Nigerian tertiary institutions are battling dilapidated infrastructure and millions of students rely on the Students Loan Scheme, “the unapproved movement of public funds is a direct attack on the future of Nigerian youth”.

“We cannot keep quiet while resources meant for education are compromised”, he said.

NANS urged the EFCC and ICPC to interrogate Dr. Adedeji and all others linked to the alleged $279 million transfer.

The group asked the National Assembly to also constitute a joint committee with live broadcast to audit the Frontier Exploration Fund account and identify the final beneficiaries.

The association threatened protest if action is not initiated within 72 hours.

“If there is no decisive action within 72 hours, NANS will activate its structures in all 36 states and the FCT. We will stage a mother-of-all-protests, picket the NRS headquarters in Abuja, and shut down regional tax offices nationwide,” he warned.