The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, alleging the misappropriation of N18.6 billion earmarked for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Office Complex. The National Assembly Service Commission is also named as a respondent in the case.
The suit follows a report by the Auditor‑General of the Federation, which found that the funds allocated for the project could not be accounted for and that a “fictitious construction company” was allegedly paid the full N18.6 billion. SERAP is seeking a court order compelling Akpabio, Abbas and the NASC to account for the missing funds and to disclose the identity of the company that received the payment. The group also wants access to project documents, including assessment reports, bid advertisements and construction contracts.
SERAP argues that the alleged misappropriation violates public trust and the Nigerian Constitution. It contends that granting the requested reliefs would serve the public interest by promoting transparency and accountability within the National Assembly. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, is the latest development in a series of corruption and mismanagement allegations against the National Assembly and underscores the need for greater openness in the use of public funds in Nigeria.
SERAP’s lawyers—Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo—maintain that the National Assembly has a constitutional duty to uphold transparency, accountability and the rule of law. The case represents a significant step toward enhancing accountability and good governance in the country. Its outcome will be closely watched, given its implications for Nigeria’s anti‑corruption efforts and the transparency of public spending. A hearing date has not yet been set.
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