Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal proceedings against Nigeria’s 36 governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their alleged failure to provide an account of the trillions of Naira disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since 1999.
The lawsuit, filed as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/666/2024 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, demands that the governors and Mr Wike disclose the spending details of FAAC allocations, including a comprehensive list and locations of projects executed with the funds.
Furthermore, SERAP seeks to compel the governors and Mr Wike to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any alleged corruption linked to the allocations and monitor the expenditure of these funds.
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Highlighting the importance of transparency in public spending, SERAP argues that Nigerians have the right to know how public funds, including FAAC allocations, are utilized by their respective state governments and the FCT. Failure to provide this information, according to SERAP, undermines the citizens’ ability to hold their governments accountable and threatens their fundamental interests.
The lawsuit underscores the necessity for governors and the FCT minister to uphold principles of transparency and accountability in managing public resources, as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international anti-corruption commitments.
With millions of Nigerians still grappling with poverty and inadequate access to basic services despite substantial FAAC allocations, SERAP contends that transparency in spending is crucial to combatting corruption and ensuring effective service delivery to citizens.
While the hearing date for the suit is yet to be scheduled, SERAP’s legal action signals a concerted effort to uphold the principles of good governance and accountability in Nigeria’s public administration.
