Nigeria TV Info – Local News

Civil Society Groups Petition EFCC Over Alleged Diversion of Kogi LG Funds Through Lokoja Voucher Scheme

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding an urgent investigation into the alleged diversion of Kogi State local government funds through what they described as the “Lokoja Voucher Scheme.”

The groups — African Transparency Initiative (ATI), Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA), and Concerned Kogi State Citizens — filed the petition on November 18, 2025, accusing certain officials of siphoning funds meant for grassroots development.

In the petition titled “Urgent Investigation and Prosecution of the Systemic Diversion of Kogi State Local Governments’ Fund Through the Lokoja Voucher Scheme,” the organisations claimed that huge sums were being paid out for projects “allegedly not executed,” using fabricated vouchers and bogus contracts.

The petition was also forwarded to several key federal institutions, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation, ICPC, NFIU, BPP, and the National Assembly Committees on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption.

According to the CSOs, the alleged scheme has resulted in significant financial losses to local governments across Kogi State, undermining development efforts and worsening poverty at the grassroots.

They urged the EFCC to immediately commence a thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable in order to restore transparency, accountability, and public trust in the state’s financial management.