The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to explain how ₦18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission office complex was spent.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to disclose the name of the company that received the funds, along with details of its directors, shareholders, and registered address.
The organization said the call was based on findings from the 2022 audited report of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025, which raised questions about possible breaches of Nigeria’s procurement laws and potential mismanagement of public funds.
“According to the Auditor-General’s report, the National Assembly Service Commission paid over ₦11.6 billion to an unknown construction company for the construction of its office complex,” SERAP stated.
“The payment was made on August 11, 2020, while another ₦6.9 billion was allegedly paid on November 29, 2023, for the conversion of a roof garden into office space.”
The rights group added that the report suggested the contract was awarded without due process, including the absence of a Bill of Quantity, needs assessment, advertisement, bidding process, contract agreement, or approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council.
“Both contracts were reportedly executed without any transparency or competitive bidding. These actions, if proven true, amount to serious violations of the Procurement Act and the Nigerian Constitution,” Oluwadare said.
SERAP further expressed concern that the ₦18.6 billion may have been misappropriated, diverted, or stolen, describing the development as a breach of public trust.
“The allegations suggest grave violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption obligations. The National Assembly cannot effectively perform its oversight duties if it fails to uphold transparency and accountability in its own operations,” the statement read.
The group urged the National Assembly to publish the details of the construction company, ensure that those responsible are prosecuted, and that any missing funds are recovered.
*Explaining how the funds were spent, naming those involved, and recovering any diverted public money would demonstrate the legislature’s commitment to accountability,” SERAP emphasized.
The organization gave the National Assembly seven days from the date of receipt or publication of its letter to take action, warning that it would resort to legal measures if there was no satisfactory response.
“If the authorities fail to act, SERAP will take all appropriate legal actions to compel the National Assembly and the Service Commission to comply,” Oluwadare said.
The group added that transparency in this matter would help rebuild public confidence in the National Assembly and prove that lawmakers are acting in the interest of Nigerians rather than for personal or political gain.
