SERAP Sues Wike Over Missing ₦40 Trillion Local Governments Allocation

SERAP Files Lawsuit Against Nigerian Governors, Minister Over Alleged Misappropriation of N40 Trillion in Federal Allocations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigerian governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for N40 trillion in federal allocations meant for local governments.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, comes in the wake of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s revelations regarding the misuse of funds. Buhari stated that if N100 million was allocated to a state from the Federation Account, only N50 million would reach the intended recipients, with officials pocketing the rest.

In its filing, SERAP is requesting that the court compel the governors to disclose details of local government allocations and their disbursement since 1999. Additionally, they are asking Mr Wike to provide information on federal allocations intended for Area Councils in the FCT.

SERAP argues that transparency obligations, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, require the governors and Mr Wike to disclose this information.

The lawsuit highlights the negative impact of opacity in the disbursement of federal allocations, citing the need for transparency to combat corruption and improve public access to basic services. Despite the country’s oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have seen little benefit due to widespread corruption.

According to SERAP’s information, over N40 trillion in federal allocations meant for local governments has been collected by the 36 states and the FCT. However, there is a lack of transparency in how these funds are disbursed, with allegations of diversion by state governors.

The lawsuit seeks to hold the governors and Mr Wike accountable for ensuring the full and proper disbursement of federal allocations to local governments, thereby improving governance and reducing poverty in Nigeria.