SERAP alleges Governors diverted N40tn meant for local governments since 1999

By Akinsuroju Olubunmi

SERAP alleges Governors diverted N40tn meant for local governments since 1999The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has accused Nigeria’s governors and Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, of diverting N40tn intended for local governments since 1999. SERAP has called on the governors and the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to disclose details of federal allocations designated for local governments since the return to democracy.

In a freedom of information request dated January 27, 2024, SERAP urged the governors and the FCT Minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments in each state and the FCT since May 1999.

SERAP emphasized the right of Nigerians to know the details of the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations in each state and the FCT. The organization insisted that states and the FCT should regularly publish information concerning the disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments.

According to SERAP’s findings, the 36 states and the FCT have collected over N40tn in federal allocations meant for the 774 local government areas in the country and the FCT.

SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare stated, “Transparency in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law.”

1. SERAP

2. Federal Allocations