By Amofokhai Williams
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to publicly account for the alleged missing N18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission Office Complex.
According to SERAP, the funds, documented in the 2022 annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, were reportedly paid to a “fictitious construction company” without due process, in violation of procurement and anti-corruption laws.
In a letter dated 18 October, 2025 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to disclose the name, address, and ownership details of the company said to have collected the N18.6 billion.
The group also demanded explanations on the alleged inflation of the contract sum by N6.9 billion for the “conversion of the roof garden to office space” without proper approval.
“The Auditor-General’s report suggests grave breaches of public trust and constitutional obligations,” SERAP said, adding that the National Assembly must demonstrate transparency and accountability if it expects to effectively perform its oversight and anti-corruption functions.
According to the report, the National Assembly Service Commission allegedly paid N11.6 billion to an unknown company on 11 August 2020 for the construction of the complex within 24 months. A further N6.9 billion was reportedly paid on 29 November 2023 for the conversion of the roof garden to office space, even though there was no Bill of Quantity, needs assessment, bidding process, or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) “Certificate of No Objection.”
The Auditor-General raised fears that the N18.6 billion earmarked for the project may have been misappropriated or diverted.
SERAP warned that such financial irregularities, if unchecked, undermine public confidence in governance and deepen poverty among citizens already burdened by the high costs of corruption.
“The National Assembly must explain the whereabouts of the missing funds, publish the details of the contractors involved, and ensure those responsible are prosecuted,” the letter stated.
“Doing so would reaffirm its commitment to integrity, transparency, and the rule of law,” it added.
SERAP reminded the lawmakers of their constitutional duty under Sections 13, 15(5), and 16 of the 1999 Constitution to uphold transparency and ensure public resources are managed for the common good.
It also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Corruption, which mandates accountability in public spending.
The organisation gave the National Assembly leadership seven days to respond and take corrective steps or face legal action compelling compliance.
“Addressing these allegations,” SERAP said, saying this “would restore public trust in the legislature’s ability to act in the national interest and fulfil its constitutional oversight responsibilities.”
