SERAP Asks Akpabio, Abbas To Explain ₦1.3 Billion PFIPC Allocation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to disclose documents relating to the approval of over ₦1.3 billion for the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

NEWSNGR reports that SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The organisation urged the National Assembly leadership to use its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allocation to what it described as a “fictitious presidential council.”

It also asked the lawmakers to identify anyone responsible for possible irregularities in the budgetary process.

SERAP requested certified copies of records identifying members of National Assembly committees that considered the allocation, as well as the names and official designations of public officers or representatives who appeared before the committees to defend it.

The group also asked the National Assembly to clarify whether the allocation formed part of the Executive’s original Appropriation Bill or was introduced during the legislative process.

It further demanded clarification on whether any lawmaker raised concerns about the legal status, establishment or operational mandate of the body.

SERAP said, “These conflicting accounts raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriations process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.

“Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law.”

SERAP said Nigerians had the right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that was not lawfully established.

“Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that was not lawfully established and, if so, how this occurred,” it said.

The organisation gave Akpabio and Abbas seven days to act on the request.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven 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 and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest,” it said.

SERAP said disclosure of the documents would strengthen public confidence in the National Assembly and promote transparency in the management of public resources.