The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to disclose the full details of the running costs received by members of the National Assembly. SERAP is demanding that Akpabio and Abbas reveal the exact amount of these monthly running costs, which reportedly amount to millions of naira, as well as how these funds are being spent.
In a letter dated August 17, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed serious concern about the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the financial practices within the National Assembly. SERAP accused the Assembly of allegedly setting its own salaries, allowances, and running costs, a practice that the organization claims is contrary to the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international commitments.
“The allegations that members of the National Assembly are fixing their own salaries, allowances, and running costs are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party,” the letter stated.
SERAP has given the leadership of the National Assembly a seven-day deadline to comply with its requests. The organization warned that if there is no response or action from Akpabio and Abbas within this period, it will take legal steps to ensure that the Assembly complies with the demands in the public interest.
This latest move by SERAP comes amid growing concerns among Nigerians about the lack of transparency in how public funds are being managed by the country’s lawmakers. The issue of high running costs and allowances for members of the National Assembly has been a longstanding source of controversy in Nigeria. Many citizens and civil society organizations have criticized the National Assembly for what they perceive as excessive spending at a time when the country is facing significant economic challenges.
SERAP has been at the forefront of the campaign for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources in Nigeria. The organization has consistently called on government officials and institutions to provide clear and accurate information about how public funds are being used. In this case, SERAP is urging the National Assembly to align its financial practices with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which Nigeria has ratified.
Moreover, SERAP highlighted that Nigeria, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, has committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public affairs. The organization argued that the current practices of the National Assembly, as alleged, are inconsistent with these commitments and undermine public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The letter from SERAP also reminded the leadership of the National Assembly that they have a duty to act in the public interest. The organization urged Akpabio and Abbas to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by disclosing the full details of the running costs and ensuring that the financial practices of the Assembly are transparent and in line with the law.
