The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to account for the alleged missing N18.6bn allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Commission Office Complex, as detailed in the 2022 annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The group also demanded that both leaders disclose the identity of the construction company that allegedly received the funds, along with the names of its directors, shareholders, and the company’s registered address.
SERAP further requested explanations regarding violations of the Procurement Act, including the failure to conduct a needs assessment, advertise the bidding process, issue a formal contract agreement, or obtain bidders’ quotations before paying the construction company N18.6bn.
In addition, the organisation questioned the alleged inflation of the contract by N6.9bn for the conversion of the roof garden into office space and demanded clarification on why no approval was obtained for the upward review of the contract.
It also asked for details on the current implementation status of the project.
The allegations were contained in the Auditor-General’s 2022 report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated October 18, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stated that the findings raise serious concerns about breaches of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s anti-corruption commitments.
SERAP emphasised that the National Assembly can only fulfill its oversight and anti-corruption functions by taking the lead in addressing corruption and mismanagement within its own commission.
The organisation added that the legislature must uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in handling the matter.
The letter, read in part: “Addressing the allegations would improve public confidence and trust in the ability of the National Assembly to exercise their constitutional and oversight responsibilities, and to adhere to the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”
“It would also show that the National Assembly is acting in the best interest of the people, and not for personal interest.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you, the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“According to the recently published 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation, the National Assembly Service Commission paid over N11.6 billion [N11,647,302,594,00] to ‘an unknown construction company’ for ‘the construction the Commission’s Complex within 24 months.’”
“The payment was reportedly made on 11 August 2020. But ‘the contract was inflated by over N6.9 billion [N6,930,000.000.00]’ and the money was reportedly paid to the construction company on 29 November 2023’ ‘for the conversion of the roof garden to office space.’”
“The contract was reportedly awarded without a Bill of Quantity (BOQ) for the upward of the contract, and the ‘BOQ for the contract of N11.6 billion was not priced.’”
“Both contracts were reportedly awarded without any needs assessment, newspaper advertisements, bidding process, contract agreement, bidders’ quotations and without any approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). There was also no ‘Bureau of Public Procurement’s Certificate of ‘No Objection’.’”
“The Auditor-General fears the N18.6 billion of public funds budgeted for ‘the construction of the Commission’s Office Complex and the conversion of the roof garden to office space’ may be missing. He wants the money accounted for.”
“SERAP is concerned that the money may have been misappropriated, diverted or stolen. These grave violations reflect the continuing failure of the National Assembly and its commission to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”
“Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, publishing the details of the construction company which collected the money and ensuring the prosecution of the perpetrators and the recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest.”
“Poor and vulnerable Nigerians continue to bear the heavy economic and social costs of corruption. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.”
Leave a Comment