By Secrets Reporters
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), which advises the Nigerian government on managing conflict and promoting peace, has been flagged over seven financial and administrative irregularities in its 2023 financial year, including a breach of the law governing the tenure of its directors, according to findings reviewed by SecretsReporters.
The review found that the Institute disregarded the provision of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (Establishment) Act governing the tenure of Directors, in breach of Section 10(2) of the Act.
Furthermore, staff who were due for retirement remained on the institute’s nominal roll and continued receiving salaries.
The review found that ₦48,724,556.34 was paid as salary to staff who were due for retirement. Thereby contravening the applicable provisions of the Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations 2009, which require officers who have reached the mandatory retirement threshold to be removed from the payroll and their salary payments stopped.
In addition, a separate finding established that the affected staff were not removed from the nominal roll despite being due for retirement. Also identified was ₦81,411,561.01 in irregularities involving the award of a contract for a workshop.
Furthermore, ₦35,375,684.38 in payments was made without relevant supporting documents, contrary to the financial accountability requirements under the Financial Regulations 2009, which require public expenditure to be properly supported by relevant documentation.
The review also found that ₦5,620,000.00 was paid as an arbitrary honorarium. The payment breached Paragraph 415 of the Financial Regulations 2009, which requires public officers to exercise due economy in every item of expenditure.
Additionally, ₦5,447,700.00 in cash advances was granted above the approved limit, contrary to the applicable Treasury Circular guidance on cash advance limits.
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution was established to provide advice and support to the Nigerian government on peacebuilding, conflict management and related institutional matters.
The review also identified the ₦5,620,000.00 arbitrary honourarium as a breach of Paragraph 415 of the Financial Regulations 2009 and the ₦5,447,700.00 cash advances as exceeding the applicable approved limit under Treasury Circular guidance.
