The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given a one-week ultimatum to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other 35 state governors to provide loan agreements and spending details of loans acquired by their states and the FCT.
SERAP’s request encompasses details and locations of projects executed with loans totaling ₦5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion.
In a statement released by the organization’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP emphasized the importance of transparency in government spending and urged the governors and FCT minister to widely publish copies of its requests to ensure accountability to the citizens.
Additionally, SERAP called for the prompt invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the spending of both domestic and external loans.
The request follows Governor Sani’s disclosure of inherited debt and contract liabilities, highlighting the need for transparency in financial management.
SERAP stressed the public interest in publishing loan agreements and spending details to hold public officials accountable and ensure effective governance.
The organization expressed concern over alleged mismanagement of public funds by several states, impacting essential public services and denying citizens access to basic amenities.
It underscored the risk of corruption and mismanagement associated with state loans, urging adherence to international anti-corruption and human rights laws.
SERAP emphasized the citizens’ right to access information under Nigerian law and international conventions, rejecting any attempt to evade transparency obligations.
