Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong warning to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, demanding they publicly account for the estimated N14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings received through FAAC allocations — or face legal action.
In separate Freedom of Information (FoI) requests dated October 4, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization insists on transparency regarding the spending, project implementation, and outcomes linked to the subsidy savings distributed since mid-2023.
> “There is a legitimate public interest for governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how they have spent the money they have so far collected from the subsidy savings,” SERAP emphasized.
SERAP’s letter urges the governors and Mr. Wike to disclose:
Detailed records of expenditures
Locations and progress reports of executed projects
Plans for future use of incoming subsidy savings
Additionally, SERAP is calling on the leaders to invite oversight from the EFCC and ICPC to track the spending of the funds and prevent potential diversion into private hands.
*Trillions Received, But No Tangible Impact?*
Despite increased federal allocations — reportedly totaling N28.78 trillion in 2024 alone — basic public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain out of reach for millions of Nigerians.
SERAP said the figures include a 45.5% rise in state government allocations, amounting to N5.22 trillion.
> “Millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions of naira collected… Nigerians continue to face a worsening poverty crisis,” the letter notes.
The watchdog organization also raises alarm over:
Non-payment of salaries and pensions in several states
Lavish spending by some state governments on luxury vehicles and foreign trips
Widespread reports of mismanagement, secrecy, and impunity
*Legal backing: Constitution and Supreme Court on SERAP’s side*
SERAP cites multiple legal frameworks, including:
Sections 13, 15(5), and 16(2) of the 1999 Constitution mandating accountability and equitable resource distribution
The Freedom of Information Act, which the Supreme Court has affirmed applies to state governments
Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Corruption
> “The Supreme Court has eloquently stated that any freedom of information laws by states is subject to the Freedom of Information Act,” SERAP noted, rejecting the long-held excuse by governors that FoI laws don’t apply to them.
*A 7-Day Ultimatum*
SERAP has given all 36 governors and the FCT Minister a seven-day window to comply with the disclosure requests. Failure to do so, the organization warns, will prompt appropriate legal action in the public interest.
> “Disclosing the details of the spending… would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them and to hold you to account.”
> “Opacity in the spending of fuel subsidy savings collected by you would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens,” SERAP stated.
