The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says investigations have uncovered the alleged diversion of a large portion of government funds allocated for Christian and Muslim pilgrimage programmes.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the allegation in Abuja while addressing the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and presenting the commission’s Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual.
Olukoyede alleged that nearly 75 per cent of funds released by the Federal Government for pilgrimage activities were stolen by officials overseeing the programmes.
He said investigations uncovered allegations that some officials registered private companies in countries where Nigerian pilgrims travelled, creating potential conflicts of interest.
The EFCC chairman urged religious leaders to uphold transparency and keep funds belonging to churches, mosques and other faith-based organisations separate from their personal finances or businesses.
He also urged pastors and imams to question unusually large donations, particularly from public officials whose known earnings may not explain their wealth.
Olukoyede called on religious institutions to strengthen internal financial controls and ensure greater accountability in the management of funds.
Religious and government leaders at the meeting also called for stronger efforts to address kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism.
