A former Federal Commissioner of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has called on journalists to intensify fact-finding over reports of an alleged missing N34 trillion from federation revenue.

Agbonayinma made the call on Saturday in Abuja during his investiture as Patron of the Association of Edo Journalists in Abuja (AEJA), stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on the issue.

Reports linked to the World Bank indicated that out of N84 trillion generated between 2023 and 2025, about 41 per cent was deducted before reaching the Federation Account. However, the Federal Ministry of Finance has dismissed claims of missing funds, explaining that the deductions were lawful first-line charges and statutory expenditures.

The former lawmaker urged journalists to go beyond routine reporting and embrace investigative journalism, describing it as vital to national development.

He also lamented Nigeria’s slow progress decades after independence, blaming corruption and internal challenges, while calling for unity and collective action to reposition the country.

Agbonayinma commended members of the AEJA for the honour and pledged support for improved journalism practice.