The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, challenging the alleged unlawful practice of the National Assembly determining its own allowances and running costs without transparency or accountability.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024, seeks an order compelling Akpabio and Abbas to halt the National Assembly’s self-determination of salaries and allowances, referred to as “running costs.” SERAP is also demanding a full disclosure of the exact monthly running costs paid to lawmakers and a detailed account of how these funds are utilized.
This legal action follows accusations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that lawmakers have been setting their own pay without adhering to the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).
SERAP argues that the current practice of transferring running costs directly into lawmakers’ personal accounts violates Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which forbids the payment of public money into private accounts. Additionally, it claims that this practice breaches the Nigerian Constitution and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which Nigeria has ratified.
The lawsuit emphasizes that lawmakers, by taking their constitutional oath of office, are required to act with transparency and accountability, prioritizing public interest over personal gain. SERAP asserts that allowing legislators to set their own remuneration erodes public trust in the National Assembly and violates principles of good governance.
The organization is also calling for any misappropriated or mismanaged running costs to be returned, arguing that this would help restore public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the rule of law. Moreover, SERAP is seeking an order compelling Akpabio and Abbas to refer any allegations of misuse of funds to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and potential prosecution.
The suit, filed by SERAP’s legal team—Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Blessing Ogwuche—highlights the need for public officials, including lawmakers, to maintain the highest standards of integrity in managing public resources. It argues that transparency in the use of taxpayer money is crucial, as Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their representatives spend public funds.
Citing international obligations, including the UN Convention against Corruption, SERAP contends that public officials must fulfill their duties truthfully and responsibly. The organization maintains that ending the current practice of self-determined salaries and allowances would improve public confidence in the integrity of the National Assembly.
The lawsuit, which is yet to be assigned a hearing date, aims to ensure lawmakers uphold their constitutional duties and adhere to principles of honesty and accountability in their use of public resources.
Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, recently disclosed in an interview with BBC Hausa that each Nigerian senator receives at least ₦21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances. Sumaila noted that his monthly salary, after deductions, amounts to just over ₦600,000, while the total monthly running cost for each senator stands at ₦21 million.
As of now, the court has not set a date for the hearing of the case.
