The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, to reconsider their decision to spend N110 billion on luxury cars and palliatives. SERAP urged them to instead focus on addressing the education crisis in the country.
In a letter dated 15 July 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed concern over the allocation of N70 billion as “support allowance” for 306 new lawmakers, while only N500 billion worth of palliatives was budgeted for 12 million poor Nigerians. Additionally, N40 billion was earmarked to purchase 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.
SERAP argued that such expenditures are a breach of fiduciary duties and a violation of the public trust, especially when over 137 million poor Nigerians are living in extreme poverty exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidy. The organization urged the National Assembly to reduce its budget by N110 billion and instead allocate the funds to address the plight of the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The letter highlighted that the lawmakers’ focus should be on fulfilling their constitutional and oversight functions to pursue the public interest, rather than using the budget to satisfy their own lifestyle demands. Section 14(2)(b) and Section 16(1)(a)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] emphasize the government’s responsibility to prioritize the security and welfare of the people and promote national prosperity and an efficient economy.
SERAP called on the National Assembly to take appropriate action within seven days of receiving the letter in the public interest. If the recommended measures are not taken, the organization stated that it will pursue legal action to ensure compliance.
