The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Governors of the 36 states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to provide the organization with documents on the spending of trillions of FAAC allocations received by each state and the FCT since 1999. SERAP also calls for wide publication of these documents.
In a statement issued on Saturday, SERAP expressed concern over the illegal and indiscriminate spending of the funds, demanding that each state government publish reports on the ₦398.689 billion disbursed to it. Additionally, SERAP urged the Governors to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to jointly monitor and investigate any allegations of corruption linked to the allocations.
The request, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that Nigerians have the right to know how public funds, including FAAC allocations, are spent. SERAP stressed that transparency in spending would enable citizens to retain control over their government and promote accountability.
The statement also highlighted concerns about persistent poverty and lack of access to basic public goods and services despite increased FAAC allocations to states and the FCT. SERAP emphasized the need for transparency and accountability mechanisms to prevent embezzlement, misappropriation, or diversion of funds.
In light of legal obligations under the Nigerian Constitution, UN Convention against Corruption, and international human rights instruments, SERAP urged prompt action by the Governors and the Minister of the FCT. Failure to comply within seven days would lead SERAP to consider legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest.
