The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to explain how the ₦18.6 billion reportedly allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission office complex was spent.
In a statement issued on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged the legislative leaders to reveal the company that received the payment and disclose the full details of its directors, shareholders, and registered address.
According to the organisation, the demand stems from the findings of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 annual report, which was made public on September 9, 2025.
The audit report stated that the National Assembly Service Commission allegedly paid over ₦11.6 billion to what it described as “an unknown construction company” for the construction of the Commission’s complex within 24 months. “The payment was reportedly made on August 11, 2020,” the statement read.
It further noted that the contract was allegedly inflated by more than ₦6.9 billion and that the funds were paid to the company on November 29, 2023, “for the conversion of the roof garden to office space.”
SERAP revealed that both contracts were allegedly awarded without following due process, including a needs assessment, newspaper advertisement, public bidding, contract agreement, bidders’ quotations, or approval from the Federal Executive Council.
SERAP Demands Transparency from Akpabio, Abbas over ₦18.6bn National Assembly Funds reports that the rights group accused the National Assembly of breaching provisions of the Public Procurement Act by failing to obtain a Bureau of Public Procurement certificate of “No Objection” before awarding the contracts.
“The Auditor-General fears the ₦18.6 billion of public funds budgeted for the construction of the Commission’s office complex and the conversion of the roof garden to office space may be missing. He wants the money accounted for,” the statement said.
SERAP warned that such alleged financial irregularities point to violations of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and both national and international anti-corruption obligations.
“SERAP is concerned that the money may have been misappropriated, diverted, or stolen. These grave violations reflect the continuing failure of the National Assembly and its commission to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability,” the group added.
The organisation urged Akpabio and Abbas to demonstrate transparency by publishing details of the contractors involved and ensuring the prosecution of those responsible, if found culpable.
“Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, publishing the details of the construction company which collected the money, and ensuring the recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest,” the statement added.
SERAP gave the National Assembly seven days from the date of receiving or publishing the letter to respond to its demands. The group warned that failure to act would lead to appropriate legal actions to compel compliance.
It also called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter, prosecute offenders, and ensure recovery of any misappropriated public funds. SERAP maintained that accounting for the funds would help restore citizens’ confidence and show the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
