The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly account for the trillions of naira received from fuel subsidy savings since 2023.
In a statement on Sunday, October 5, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the group had sent Freedom of Information requests to the governors and Wike, asking them to disclose how the funds have been used and to provide details of projects financed through the savings.
The organisation warned that failure to respond within seven days would result in legal action to compel transparency under the Freedom of Information Act and relevant Supreme Court rulings.
“There is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to the increased FAAC allocations collected by the states and FCT.
“Millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions of naira collected by governors and the FCT minister as a result of the subsidy savings,” SERAP said.
The group accused some states of spending public money on “lavish lifestyles, unnecessary travels, and exotic vehicles” instead of prioritising welfare and development projects.
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It added that secrecy in spending continues to fuel corruption and undermine citizens’ trust in government.
According to SERAP, the Federation Account Allocation Committee distributed ₦28.78 trillion to the three tiers of government in 2024, a 79 per cent increase from the previous year.
State governments reportedly received ₦5.22 trillion, yet poverty, unpaid salaries, and poor infrastructure persist.
The organisation reminded the governors that the Nigerian Constitution and the UN Convention Against Corruption mandate transparency in public finance management.
It also cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all states.
“Governors can no longer hide under the claim that the FOI Act does not apply to them,” SERAP said. “Transparency would ensure that public funds are not diverted into private pockets.”
It urged state governments and the FCT administration to publish spending details and demonstrate accountability in managing the subsidy savings.