SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas Seven Days to Account for Alleged Missing ₦18.6bn NASC Project Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, demanding an explanation for the alleged disappearance of ₦18.6 billion allocated for the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Office Complex project.

In a letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, dated October 18, 2025, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to disclose how the funds were spent and to publish the name and address of the company that allegedly received the payments.

The demand follows findings from the 2022 annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, released on September 9, 2025, which raised concerns over how the money was disbursed to an “unknown construction company,” citing irregularities in procurement and documentation.

According to the report, ₦11.6 billion was paid on August 11, 2020, for the construction of the proposed NASC office complex without any record of open bidding, advertisements, or signed contract agreements. Another ₦6.9 billion was reportedly released on November 29, 2023, to the same company for the “conversion of the roof garden to office space” — with no evidence of approval, Bill of Quantity (BOQ), or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) certificate of “No Objection.”

The Auditor-General concluded that the ₦18.6 billion may be missing, describing the transactions as “suspicious and potentially unlawful.”

SERAP Demands Transparency

SERAP described the findings as a serious breach of public trust, urging the National Assembly to investigate the matter transparently and hold those responsible accountable.

“The National Assembly can only effectively perform its oversight role if it demonstrates exemplary accountability in managing its own affairs,” the organisation stated.

It warned that if the lawmakers fail to comply within seven days, the group will take legal action to compel them to account for the missing funds in the public interest.

Project’s Lingering Controversy

The NASC Office Complex project has been in the works for more than a decade, intended to provide a permanent administrative headquarters for the Commission. Despite recurring allocations since 2018, there has been no publicly verifiable progress or completed structure on site.

SERAP noted that the legislature must hold itself to the same standards of accountability it demands from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), warning that “failure to act undermines public confidence in the National Assembly.”

Legal and Constitutional Grounds

Citing Sections 13, 15(5), and 16 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), SERAP reminded the lawmakers of their duty to promote transparency and eradicate corruption. It also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates transparency in public financial management.

“Corruption in high places continues to impose heavy economic and social costs on ordinary Nigerians,” SERAP stated, stressing that poor governance and misuse of public funds deepen hardship and inequality.

The organisation called on Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas to refer the matter to relevant anti-corruption agencies for full investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.

Efforts to reach the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.

About SERAP

Founded in 2004, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and socio-economic rights. The organisation is known for using public advocacy and strategic litigation to hold public officials accountable for corruption and abuse of office.