SERAP Sues Nigeria’s 36 Governors and Minister Wike Over Unaccounted FAAC Allocations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigeria’s 36 governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for their alleged failure to account for trillions of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations collected by their states and the FCT since 1999.

In a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP seeks to compel the governors and Mr. Wike to publish detailed spending information related to the FAAC allocations. This includes disclosing the list and locations of projects executed with the allocated funds. Additionally, SERAP calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any corruption allegations linked to these allocations and monitor their expenditure.

The lack of transparency in the utilization of FAAC allocations by the governors and the FCT minister has significant implications for citizens’ fundamental interests. Trillions of naira received by Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT allegedly remain unaccounted for, directly affecting socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians1. By compelling the disclosure of spending details, SERAP aims to promote transparency, accountability, and reduce corruption risks associated with these funds.

Despite increased FAAC allocations, millions of residents in various states and the FCT still face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public services. The discrepancy between allocation amounts and citizens’ welfare underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.

The lawsuit emphasizes that the governors and the FCT minister have a legal obligation to provide information on specific projects completed with FAAC allocations, salaries, pensions, and other relevant details. Publishing these documents would empower Nigerians to engage meaningfully in monitoring the implementation of projects funded by FAAC allocations.

The report that approximately 140 million Nigerians live in poverty further highlights the need for accountability and proper utilization of public funds. As the case proceeds, the court will determine the outcome of this critical matter.

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