The 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, Nyesom Wike, alleging their failure to provide a comprehensive account of the trillions of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations received since 1999. This announcement was made by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a recent statement.
The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/666/2024, has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SERAP seeks a court order to compel the governors and Wike to disclose detailed spending reports of FAAC allocations, including a breakdown of projects funded by these allocations since 1999. In addition, SERAP urges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any corruption allegations related to these allocations and oversee their expenditure.
SERAP argues that transparency in the utilization of public funds, particularly FAAC allocations, is essential for the public interest. They contend that the lack of transparency in spending these allocations adversely affects citizens’ interests and violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption agreements.
Emphasizing the significance of transparency and accountability in FAAC allocation usage by states and the FCT, SERAP’s legal team, comprising Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, stresses that such transparency would empower citizens to hold their government accountable and ensure the proper utilization of public funds.
Despite the increase in FAAC allocations to states and the FCT, millions of residents continue to experience extreme poverty and a lack of access to basic public services. SERAP highlights reports of mismanagement, fund diversion, and abandoned projects, indicating a pressing need for heightened transparency to combat corruption and promote accountability in public spending.
SERAP emphasizes the importance of releasing detailed documents on the expenditure of FAAC allocations to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in project implementation. They also draw attention to Nigeria’s high poverty rate, indicating a connection between corruption in FAAC spending and the country’s socio-economic challenges.
