CSO Questions Ministry Over Alleged ₦4bn Rent and Illegal Appointments

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Coalition for Transparency, Equity, and Justice, has raised concerns over alleged financial mismanagement and questionable appointments within the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, led by Minister Hannatu Musawa.

In a formal petition referencing the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, the coalition demanded clarification regarding an alleged ₦4 billion expenditure for office rent. The petition, signed by Dr. Chima Chibuike, Executive Secretary of the Coalition, claims that ₦3 billion has already been paid in installments to a landlord without prior approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The office space in question is reportedly located on ICPC Road in Abuja, and rent payments have allegedly been ongoing for over a year.

The CSO also raised concerns about the “excessive” number of recent appointments within the ministry, citing the recruitment of 50 new aides. The coalition is calling for greater transparency in these appointments, particularly amid reports of mass dismissals of experienced officials.

Additionally, the group expressed unease over the appointment of Ahmed Sodangi, the minister’s stepson, as Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA). Sodangi, a 32-year-old former Level 9 staff member at the Bank of Industry (BoI), was appointed despite his relatively limited qualifications for such a high-ranking position. While acknowledging BoI’s sponsorship of major arts exhibitions in London and Nigeria, the coalition questioned whether this experience justified his appointment.

“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 coalition stated.

In response, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy dismissed the allegations, labeling them as “baseless and misleading.” Dr. Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, the ministry’s Special Assistant for Media and Publicity, asserted that the ministry operates from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and has not spent ₦4 billion on office rent.

She further refuted claims of nepotism, denying any familial relationship between Minister Musawa and Ahmed Sodangi. The ministry also denied hiring 50 new aides, asserting that all appointments were made based on merit and in accordance with civil service guidelines.

Despite the ministry’s denial, the allegations have ignited widespread debate, with many calling for an independent investigation. Critics argue that issues of financial transparency and political appointments remain key challenges in Nigeria’s public sector, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability.