The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to forward allegations that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions and petitions at plenary sessions to anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
In an open letter dated August 16, 2025, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and released to the media on Sunday, SERAP described the claims as a serious breach of public trust and a violation of lawmakers’ oaths of office.
The petition follows comments by a member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa), who, in a viral video, alleged that legislators are required to pay millions of naira before being allowed to present their proposals on the floor of the National Assembly.
SERAP called on the presiding officers of both chambers “to name anyone involved in the alleged bribery scheme and to ensure the recovery of any proceeds,” while urging them to guarantee whistleblower protection for Auyo.
“The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of public trust and constitutional oath of office,” the group stated. “Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly.”
The advocacy group argued that such claims undermine the integrity of the legislative process envisaged under section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, warning that failure to act within seven days would compel it to institute legal action in the public interest.
According to SERAP, referring the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would help restore public confidence in the leadership of the National Assembly.
Auyo had alleged that lawmakers were being compelled to pay up to ₦3 million to table a bill, and that, even after payment, sponsors must lobby all 360 House members to secure its acceptance.
