In a bid to foster transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal governance, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern call to action directed at the nation’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Amidst reports revealing the allocation of a staggering N1.123 trillion by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to federal, state, and local governments in March 2024 alone, SERAP has demanded comprehensive disclosure of the expenditure of these funds dating back to 2019.
At the heart of SERAP’s demand lies a fervent plea for the publication of detailed documents elucidating the utilization of FAAC allocations received since the inception of democratic governance in 1999. These documents, SERAP contends, are pivotal for fostering citizen engagement and ensuring governmental accountability.
Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, underscored the necessity of such transparency, stating, “Without this information, Nigerians cannot follow the actions of their states and the FCT, and they cannot properly fulfill their responsibilities as citizens.”
The FOI inquiry, dated April 20, 2024, serves as a clarion call to state authorities to uphold their constitutional duties and international anti-corruption obligations by providing detailed accounts of FAAC spending. Failure to comply within seven days, SERAP warns, may result in legal action to enforce transparency measures in the public interest.
In its plea for transparency, SERAP outlines specific requisites for the disclosed documents, including evidence of completed projects, allocation of funds for public services, and disbursement details pertaining to salaries and pensions.
Amidst allegations of misappropriation and burgeoning socio-economic disparities, SERAP’s crusade for fiscal transparency stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic integrity and the empowerment of its citizenry.
