The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu for allegedly failing to hold contractors accountable for over N167 billion in public funds paid for projects that were never executed. The lawsuit also names the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as a respondent.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the suit seeks a court order compelling President Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, to disclose the names of the contractors and companies involved. SERAP is also demanding the publication of project details, including locations, amounts received by each contractor, and shareholder information.
According to the 2021 Auditor-General’s report, 31 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) paid out N167.5 billion for unexecuted contracts. The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET) alone allegedly disbursed N100 billion to companies without any corresponding project completion. Other implicated MDAs include the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Pension Commission, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
SERAP argues that corruption of this magnitude deprives ordinary Nigerians of essential public services, making it harder for them to access healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The group insists that ensuring accountability would help prevent the waste and mismanagement of public funds.
The consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis,” SERAP stated. “Holding companies and contractors accountable would combat fraud, abuse, and ensure that public funds are properly utilized.”
The organization further emphasized that allowing such financial misconduct to go unpunished would set a dangerous precedent, weakening Nigeria’s fight against corruption. SERAP believes that transparency in government spending is crucial for democratic governance and public trust.
The lawsuit also highlights potential violations of the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international agreements. By seeking judicial intervention, SERAP hopes to push the government into enforcing stricter measures against financial malpractice.
With the case now before the court, Nigerians await the outcome, hoping for a ruling that could set a new standard for accountability in the management of public funds.
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