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The Digest:

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to account for ₦18.6 billion in public funds allocated for the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) office complex. The demand follows the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, which revealed suspicious payments to an unnamed company without bidding processes, contracts, or approvals.

Key Points:
  • SERAP demands accountability for ₦18.6 billion NASC project funds.
  • The 2022 Auditor-General’s report flagged payments to an “unknown company.”
  • ₦11.6 billion was paid in 2020 without bidding or contract documents.
  • An additional ₦6.9 billion was paid in 2023 for “roof garden conversion.”
  • No BPP certificate, FEC approval, or needs assessment was documented.
  • SERAP threatens legal action if no response is given within seven days.
  • The group cites constitutional and anti-corruption obligations.
This ultimatum tests the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency, challenging its leaders to uphold the same accountability standards they demand from other government bodies.

Sources: Premium Times