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SERAP says N18.6 billion allegedly paid to a fictitious construction firm, says Auditor-General’s report.
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The Group issues seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas.
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It threatens legal action if the funds are not fully accounted for.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, publicly account for the alleged ₦18.6 billion meant for the construction of the National Assembly Commission Office Complex, which has reportedly gone missing.
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In a statement signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, the organisation said the funds were allegedly paid to an “unknown construction company” without any record of a needs assessment, competitive bidding, or contract agreement.
“The grave allegations contained in the 2022 report by the Auditor-General of the Federation suggest gross violations of public trust, the Constitution, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption obligations,” the statement read.
Auditor-General’s Report Raises Alarming Questions
According to SERAP, the 2022 annual audit report published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on 9th September 2025, revealed that the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) paid over ₦11.6 billion to a company with no traceable address or registration details.
The report further alleged that another ₦6.9 billion was paid for the conversion of a roof garden to office space, a project said to have been awarded without a Bill of Quantity (BOQ) or Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.
“The payment of ₦18.6 billion was made without newspaper advertisements, bidding processes, or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Certificate of No Objection,” SERAP disclosed.
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Seven-Day Deadline for National Assembly Leaders
In a letter dated October 18, 2025, and addressed to both presiding officers, SERAP demanded that Akpabio and Abbas release the names and details of the company’s directors, shareholders, and registered address, as well as clarify the current implementation status of the project.
In a statement signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that failure to comply within seven days of receipt of the letter would prompt legal action to compel transparency and accountability.
“If we have not heard from you within seven days, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with this request,” the letter stated.
The group accused the National Assembly leadership of violating the Public Procurement Act, citing the absence of needs assessment, bidding advertisements, and contract documentation.
SERAP stressed that the National Assembly cannot claim to perform its oversight and anti-corruption duties while failing to uphold basic transparency and accountability in its own financial management.
“The National Assembly must lead by example and uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the group added.
SERAP, a well-known civic organisation committed to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, emphasised that the alleged financial irregularities raise serious concerns about budgetary discipline and public fund diversion.
The group also urged the Auditor-General of the Federation and anti-corruption agencies to expedite investigations into the missing funds and ensure that all culpable individuals face appropriate sanctions.
