SERAP Sues Akpabio, Abbas Over Alleged Failure to Explain Missing ₦18.6bn NASC Project Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for allegedly failing to account for ₦18.6 billion earmarked for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Office Complex.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CS/2457/2025), also names the NASC as a respondent. SERAP’s legal action follows serious concerns raised in the 2022 audit report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on 9 September 2025.

SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio, Abbas, and the NASC to explain the whereabouts of the ₦18.6 billion, reveal the identity of the alleged “fictitious construction company” that received the funds, and release all relevant project documents—including assessment reports, bid advertisements, quotations, Tender Board minutes, and Federal Executive Council (FEC) approvals.

According to SERAP, “The allegations that ₦18.6 billion meant for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission Office Complex is misappropriated or diverted are a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and international anticorruption standards.”

The organisation argues that Nigerians deserve transparency: “Granting the reliefs sought would serve legitimate public interests. Directing and compelling Mr Akpabio, Mr Abbas and the NASC to account for the money would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”

The suit, filed by SERAP lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, states: “The National Assembly ought to live up to its constitutional responsibilities by upholding and defending the basic principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”

What the Auditor-General’s Report Revealed

According to the 2022 audit report:

• The NASC allegedly paid over ₦11.6 billion to an “unknown construction company” on 11 August 2020 for the construction of its complex.
• The contract was reportedly inflated by ₦6.9 billion, which was allegedly paid on 29 November 2023 for “conversion of the roof garden to office space.”
• Both contracts were allegedly awarded without a Bill of Quantity (BOQ), competitive bidding, newspaper advertisement, contract agreements, bidders’ quotations, or FEC approval.
• The Auditor-General warned that the entire ₦18.6 billion may have been diverted, misappropriated, or stolen.

SERAP argues that these allegations signal a “continuing failure” by the National Assembly to uphold transparency and accountability and insists that allowing the case to proceed will help bring any culprits to justice.

The organisation also highlighted the impact of corruption on ordinary Nigerians: “Poor and vulnerable Nigerians continue to bear the heavy economic and social costs of corruption… Corruption traps the majority of Nigerians in poverty.”

Citing the Nigerian Constitution and the UN Convention against Corruption, SERAP said the National Assembly is legally required to ensure proper management of public funds.

No date has yet been set for the hearing.

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