SERAP Demands Probe of ₦1.3bn Budget Allocation, Pressures Akpabio, Abbas on Transparency

SERAP Demands Probe of ₦1.3bn Budget Allocation, Pressures Akpabio, Abbas on Transparency

The anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria has taken another turn as 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 account for the controversial allocation of over ₦1.3 billion to the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The development has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria's budget process, with transparency advocates questioning how public funds were reportedly earmarked for an entity whose legal status has become a subject of controversy.

In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP demanded the release of official records relating to the approval of the allocation and urged the leadership of the National Assembly to explain the circumstances surrounding the funding.

The organisation further called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to invoke their investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to determine whether due process was followed and whether any public official should be held accountable for possible irregularities in the appropriation process.

As part of its demands, SERAP requested certified records identifying members of the National Assembly committees that considered the allocation, as well as the names and official positions of government officials or representatives who defended the budget proposal before lawmakers.

The group also sought clarification on whether the controversial allocation originated from the Executive's Appropriation Bill or was introduced during legislative consideration. It further requested information on whether any legislator questioned the legal basis, establishment or operational mandate of the PFIPC before approving the funding.

Describing the situation as a serious test of accountability, SERAP said conflicting explanations surrounding the allocation have raised concerns about the credibility of Nigeria's budgetary process, legislative oversight and public financial management.

"Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law," the organisation stated.

SERAP maintained that Nigerians deserve to know whether public funds were appropriated for an institution that was not lawfully established, stressing that transparency is essential to restoring public confidence in governance.

The organisation gave the leadership of the National Assembly seven days to respond to its requests, warning that it would commence legal proceedings if the information is not released within the stipulated period.

"If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest," the organisation stated.

The latest demand comes amid growing public calls for stronger oversight of government spending and renewed efforts to strengthen Nigeria's anti-corruption framework. While SERAP has raised questions over the allocation, the National Assembly leadership had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

The outcome of the FOI request is expected to determine whether further investigations will be launched into the controversial budget provision and could become another significant test of the country's commitment to transparency, fiscal accountability and the fight against corruption.