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| Senate President, Godswill Akpabio |
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has once again thrown the spotlight on alleged financial irregularities in Nigeria’s public sector, calling for a thorough investigation into the reported disappearance of ₦18.6 billion earmarked for the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) office complex project.
According to SERAP, the funds in question were allegedly linked to the construction of the National Assembly complex but have now become the subject of serious concern following revelations contained in the 2022 Auditor-General of the Federation’s report. The organisation is demanding full transparency from the leadership of the National Assembly, insisting that the money must be properly accounted for.
SERAP specifically urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to explain how the funds were disbursed and to disclose the identity of the construction company that reportedly received the payments. The group also called for details of the company’s directors, shareholders, and official registration address to be made public.
In its findings, SERAP raised concerns that a significant portion of the funds—about ₦11.6 billion—was allegedly paid to a contractor with no clear traceable identity, raising questions of possible contract inflation, procurement breaches, and lack of due process. The organisation also highlighted an additional ₦6.9 billion said to have been spent on converting a roof garden into office space without proper approvals or documentation.
SERAP further alleged that the project may have violated several procurement regulations, including failure to conduct a proper needs assessment, lack of competitive bidding, absence of contract agreements, and non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act. These issues, according to the group, point to a breakdown in transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.
The rights organisation has given the National Assembly leadership a seven-day ultimatum to respond to its demands or face legal action. It warned that failure to provide adequate explanations would lead to court proceedings aimed at compelling full disclosure and possible recovery of the funds.
This development has sparked renewed public debate about corruption, accountability, and financial discipline in Nigeria’s governance system, especially within institutions expected to uphold the highest standards of transparency.
As the controversy unfolds, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the National Assembly will respond decisively to the allegations or allow the matter to escalate into a full-blown legal battle.