SERAP Demands Full Disclosure of Fuel Subsidy Savings Shared Through FAAC
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to court over their alleged failure to account for ₦14 trillion fuel subsidy savings shared through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenges what SERAP described as a “disturbing lack of transparency” in the management of funds accrued following the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to SERAP, the governors and the FCT minister have consistently failed to provide Nigerians with clear details on:
- How the ₦14 trillion fuel subsidy savings were spent
- Specific projects executed with the funds
- Locations and completion status of such projects
- Evidence that the funds improved healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare
SERAP argues that despite increased monthly FAAC allocations to states and the FCT, many Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardship with little to show for the subsidy removal.
SERAP’s Position
SERAP insists that the refusal to disclose how the funds were used violates Nigerians’ right to information and undermines public trust in governance.
The organisation maintained that transparency in the use of public funds is essential to democracy and warned that secrecy surrounding such huge sums may encourage corruption and misuse of resources meant to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
Legal Basis
The civil rights group anchored its case on:
- The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria
- The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act
- Nigeria’s obligations under international anti-corruption and transparency treaties
SERAP is asking the court to compel the defendants to publicly disclose full details of the spending of the fuel subsidy savings.
Why This Matters
The lawsuit has reignited national debate on accountability, fiscal transparency, and governance, especially at the state level. Many Nigerians have questioned how states and the FCT have utilized the increased revenue while citizens continue to struggle with rising living costs.
Observers say the outcome of the case could set a major precedent for public accountability in Nigeria and strengthen citizens’ demand for transparency in government spending.
As Nigerians await the court’s decision, the SERAP lawsuit places renewed pressure on state governments and the FCT administration to justify how trillions of naira meant to ease economic hardship were utilized.
Read also SERAP Demands INEC Explain Missing ₦55.9 Billion Meant for 2019 Election Materials
