The Coalition for Transparency, Equity, and Justice, a non-profit organization, has raised concerns over financial and administrative decisions made by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy under Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
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Exercising its rights under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the coalition has written to the Minister, demanding an explanation for the Ministry’s decision to allocate N4 billion for office rent. The property in question, a glass house located along ICPC Road in Abuja, allegedly received a N3 billion payment—reportedly in tranches—without formal approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), as required by government regulations. The coalition claims the payment exceeded the approval limit for Ministers and was made to a former governor from a South-Eastern state.
Alleged Mass Layoff
Beyond financial concerns, the coalition is also questioning the Minister’s alleged mass layoffs of highly qualified officials, replacing them with less experienced personnel. The group further alleges that Musawa recommended around 50 aides for employment within the Ministry, raising further concerns about due process and governance.
Musawa is no stranger to controversy. In 2020, her nomination as a National Pension Commission Board member was rejected by the Senate due to her inability to provide a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate or exemption letter. She later secured a Special Adviser role under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023 before being appointed Minister in October 2024.
Despite lingering NYSC-related controversies, Musawa has repeatedly defended herself, insisting she fulfilled all legal requirements. A Federal High Court ruling in April 2024 dismissed a case challenging her eligibility, citing a lack of legal standing by the plaintiffs.
Public Scrutiny
With public scrutiny mounting, the coalition’s FOIA request is a test of the transparency and accountability measures within the Ministry. As the allegations unfold, stakeholders are keenly watching for the Minister’s response and the government’s stance on the issue.
