The Coalition for Transparency, Equity, and Justice, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) advocating for transparency and accountability, has called on the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to provide clarification regarding alleged misuse of funds under the leadership of Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The coalition, referencing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, has formally requested an explanation regarding a reported N4 billion allocated for office rent by the ministry. The group has raised concerns about N3 billion of this amount, allegedly paid in instalments to the landlord, without prior approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The rent has reportedly been ongoing for over a year, with the office located along ICPC Road in Abuja.
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The CSO in a letter signed by Dr. Chima Chibuike, Executive Secretary of the Coalition, also questioned the minister’s decision to appoint 50 new aides, calling the move “excessive.”
The group requested further transparency in light of these allegations and the purported dismissal of experienced officials within the ministry.
In addition to the office rent issue, the coalition has expressed concern over the appointment of Ahmed Sodangi as Director-General of the National Gallery of Arts. The group suggests that his previous involvement in arts exhibitions sponsored by the Bank of Industry should not be used as justification for his role.
“It is instructive that the Bank of Industry, where Sodangi last worked before emerging as DG of NGA, sponsored major arts exhibitions in London and Nigeria, but that should not be a yardstick for his appointment,” the group said.
The Ministry of Art has denied these allegations. Dr. Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, Special Assistant for Media and Publicity, stated that the ministry operates from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, denying any involvement in renting a N4 billion office space. She also dismissed the claims of family ties between Minister Musawa and Sodangi, as well as the hiring of 50 aides.
