SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas Seven Days to Refund N110bn NASS Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas seven days to ensure lawmakers refund N110 billion spent on vehicle purchases and support allowances declared unlawful by the Federal High Court.

SERAP made the demand in a letter dated June 20, 2026, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urging the National Assembly leadership to recover all funds and benefits received from the disputed schemes.

The organisation said the money involved included N40 billion spent on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members.

SERAP’s action followed a judgment by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which ruled that the expenditures violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations and principles of accountability.

The rights group argued that lawmakers should not retain benefits obtained from spending that had been declared unlawful by the court.

According to SERAP, allowing such benefits to remain with public officials would weaken public confidence and go against constitutional requirements to fight corruption and abuse of power.

The organisation also called on Akpabio, Abbas and the National Assembly to introduce stronger measures to ensure future public spending follows due process, transparency and value-for-money principles.

SERAP further demanded that the National Assembly begin holding public hearings on its budget during every budget cycle and publish detailed information on its spending.

The group said the court judgment established that the schemes were carried out in violation of the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and other legal requirements.

SERAP maintained that restitution was necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust and ensure accountability among public officials.

The organisation warned that failure to act within seven days would lead it to pursue legal action against the lawmakers and the National Assembly to recover the funds.

SERAP said the return of the money would help prevent future misuse of public resources and promote responsible governance.

The group added that accountability in the management of public funds remains a key responsibility of the National Assembly and other government institutions.