Serap threatens to take legal action against state governors over federal account allocation
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong caution to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the 36 Nigerian state governors.
Serap wants clarity and responsibility in the distribution and utilisation of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) monies from 1999 forward.
In their Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, SERAP emphasized the importance of comprehensive documentation about the use of these funds.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been summoned to supervise the spending of FAAC allocations by the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The objective is to guarantee that this money is used in ways that are advantageous to Nigerians and respect their rights.
Concerns have been raised about the FAAC’s latest allocation of N1.123 trillion for March 2024.
States were allocated a total of N398.689 billion, but the absence of openness has resulted in Nigerians being uninformed about the actual utilisation of this money.
SERAP argues that a significant amount of FAAC funding has been misappropriated, leading to a direct impact on the rights of socially and economically disadvantaged Nigerians.
The FOI requests explicitly demand documentation that encompasses:
Documentation and a catalogue of particular initiatives accomplished with FAAC funds.
Specifics on the remuneration and retirement benefits disbursed from these allocations.
Details on initiatives implemented in hospitals and schools utilising FAAC funding.
SERAP is essentially advocating for transparency, illuminating the utilisation of public finances, and enabling Nigerians to actively engage in overseeing their government’s activities.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
