SERAP to 36 Govs & Wike: ‘Show FAAC Spending or Face Legal Action’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, demanding the disclosure of documents detailing the spending of trillions of naira received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). SERAP’s call for transparency comes amid concerns over the lack of visible development in some states despite significant allocations. Failure to provide the requested information will result in legal action.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, demanding the disclosure of documents detailing the spending of trillions of naira received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since 1999. SERAP’s call for transparency comes amid concerns over the lack of visible development in some states despite significant allocations. Failure to provide the requested information will result in legal action.

SERAP emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds, including FAAC allocations. The organization has urged the governors and Mr Wike to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of FAAC allocations by their states and the FCT. SERAP also requested that the governors provide details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the funds are not embezzled, misappropriated, or diverted into private pockets.

The organization has highlighted the negative impacts of the lack of transparency in the spending of FAAC allocations on the fundamental interests of citizens and the public interest. SERAP has also pointed out that despite the increased FAAC allocations to states and the FCT, millions of residents continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.

The ultimatum comes in the wake of the recent increase in FAAC allocations to states and the FCT due to the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate by the Federal Government. SERAP has stressed the importance of publishing the documents on the spending of FAAC allocations by states and the FCT to promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.