Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has escalated its campaign for government transparency by urging President Bola Tinubu to mandate relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to disclose loan agreements entered into by previous Nigerian presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari.
The organization has requested detailed information on loan spending, interest payments, and independent audits of these loans, emphasizing the importance of preventing waste, corruption, and mismanagement of public funds. SERAP's Freedom of Information request underscores the citizens' right to democratic governance and access to government information, asserting that transparency and accountability are essential for assessing government performance and ensuring effective use of public resources.
The request also highlights concerns about Nigeria's mounting public debt, which reached N97.3 trillion ($108 billion) according to the Debt Management Office. SERAP warns of potential mismanagement or diversion of funds and calls for accountability measures to mitigate corruption risks.
The organization has given a seven-day ultimatum for a response, threatening legal action to enforce compliance if necessary. This latest move aligns with constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations, and anti-corruption efforts aimed at promoting transparency in governance and fostering public trust in democratic institutions.
