The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas over their alleged failure to account for N18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Office Complex.

Akpabio and Abbas are being sued both in their personal capacities and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly. The National Assembly Service Commission itself is also listed as a respondent.

Lawsuit Follows Auditor-General’s Findings

SERAP’s legal action stems from revelations contained in the 2022 Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, released on 9 September 2025. The report raised serious concerns about payments reportedly made to an unidentified construction company, allegedly without due process.

The case—filed last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2457/2025—seeks:

• An order of mandamus compelling Akpabio, Abbas, and the NASC to fully account for the N18.6 billion budgeted for the NASC Office Complex.
• An order directing them to disclose the identity of the “fictitious construction company” alleged to have received the N18.6 billion.
• Another order requiring them to make public all relevant documents, including assessment reports, bid advertisements, quotations, tender board minutes, the construction contract itself, and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the project.

SERAP Alleges Serious Breach of Trust

In the suit, SERAP argues that the alleged misappropriation or diversion of the funds violates the Nigerian Constitution, undermines international anti-corruption standards, and represents a grave betrayal of public trust. The organisation insists that transparency from the National Assembly leadership is essential to restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.

Citing the Auditor-General’s report, SERAP noted that over N11.6 billion was reportedly paid to an unknown construction company within 24 months—raising concerns over procurement irregularities.

The suit was filed by SERAP’s legal team—Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo—who stressed that the National Assembly must uphold its constitutional duty to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

Alleged Contract Inflation and Lack of Due Process

SERAP further highlighted troubling findings from the audit report:

• The contract was allegedly inflated by N6.93 billion, with the inflated amount reportedly paid on 29 November 2023 for converting a roof garden into office space.
• The contract was allegedly awarded without a Bill of Quantity (BOQ), and the BOQ presented for the N11.6 billion project was not priced.
• Both contracts were reportedly awarded without needs assessments, public advertisements, competitive bidding, bidders’ quotations, or Federal Executive Council approval.
• The project allegedly lacked the Bureau of Public Procurement’s Certificate of No Objection, a mandatory requirement for federal contracts.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.