EXCLUSIVE: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Under Fire Over N787.7 Million Unsubstantiated Transfer

Secrets Reporters

An audit report exclusively obtained by SecretsReporters has unearthed a massive financial irregularity at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, involving the unaccounted transfer of public funds amounting to N787,770,127.21.

According to the report, the staggering sum was withdrawn from the Hospital’s Personnel Account and subsequently credited to an IPPIS Transaction Account—a movement that auditors flagged as suspicious due to the absence of any documentation or explanation justifying the transfer. The transaction failed to comply with established public finance protocols, casting doubt on its legitimacy and raising red flags over possible mismanagement or diversion of government funds.

Citing Paragraph 419 of the Financial Regulations (FR) 2009, the audit stressed that officers in charge of government votes are expected to manage expenditures prudently and are fully liable for any unauthorized disbursements. In this case, no disclosure was provided to explain the purpose of the N787.7 million transfer, and no authorization was presented to support the legitimacy of the movement. The auditors categorically stated that, without proper documentation, the transaction “cannot be regarded as a legitimate transfer.”

The audit findings pointed to glaring lapses in NAUTH’s internal control mechanisms, describing them as a major contributor to the unauthorized financial activities. The report noted that such systemic weaknesses not only jeopardize the integrity of public institutions but also expose government funds to potential loss or diversion for unauthorized purposes.

Despite the severity of the issue, the management of the teaching hospital failed to respond to audit queries. The auditors emphasized that in the absence of any official response or clarification, the findings remain valid and unresolved. This silence, the report stated, raises further concerns over accountability and transparency within the institution.

The auditors have formally recommended that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NAUTH should appear before the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly to explain the rationale behind the unsubstantiated transfer. They further directed that the full sum of N787,770,127.21 be recovered and remitted to the Treasury, with evidence of such remittance forwarded to the legislative committees overseeing public accounts.

Should the CMD fail to comply, the report insists that punitive measures outlined under Paragraphs 3106 and 3115 of the Financial Regulations, 2009—which deal with irregular payments and mismanagement of public resources—must be enforced.

The development adds to the growing concerns over financial accountability within Nigeria’s federal health institutions.

As at the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the hospital’s management for comments proved unsuccessful.