Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development spent about N522 million on firearms and ammunition, according to findings contained in an audit report.
The expenditure, highlighted in the report, has raised questions over the ministry’s procurement and spending on security-related items.
The audit report examined financial transactions and procurement activities within the ministry and identified the expenditure on guns and ammunition as part of its findings.
It was not immediately clear from the report how many firearms were purchased, the specific types of weapons and ammunition involved, or the units within the ministry that received them.
The findings are likely to attract scrutiny given the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The aviation sector relies heavily on security agencies and specialised airport security services to protect airports, aircraft, passengers and critical infrastructure. This raises questions about the extent to which the ministry itself should directly procure firearms and ammunition.
The report recommends appropriate measures to address the issues identified and ensure that public funds are spent in accordance with approved procedures and relevant financial regulations.
The ministry has yet to publicly provide a detailed response to the audit findings.
The disclosure comes amid growing calls for greater transparency in government expenditure and stronger oversight of public procurement across Nigeria’s ministries, departments and agencies.
