ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has ignited a nationwide accountability firestorm, issuing a stern ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding the immediate public disclosure of how an estimated N14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings has been spent.
SERAP’s formal Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, dated October 4, 2025, warn of impending legal action if the government officials fail to publicly account for the massive post-subsidy allocations within seven days.
The Demand for Granular Detail
SERAP, through its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the state executives to provide granular details on the spending, including the specific locations and completion reports of all projects executed with the funds collected since mid-2023.
Furthermore, the organization called on the governors and the FCT Minister to “publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and monitor the spending” to ensure the funds are not diverted into private pockets.
“The savings from the removal of fuel subsidy ought to be spent solely for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal,” SERAP stated. “Transparency in the spending of the money would help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on these Nigerians.”
Increased Allocations, Worsening Poverty
The demand comes amid reports that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributed a staggering N28.78 trillion from subsidy removal in 2024—a 79 per cent increase from the previous year. State governments alone saw their allocations increase by 45.5 per cent to N5.22 trillion.
However, SERAP noted that despite this massive fiscal windfall, the increased allocations “have not translated into improved access to basic public services, such as quality healthcare and education for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.”
The organization pointed to the “significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds” linked to the secrecy surrounding the allocations. SERAP’s letter cited “continuing reports” that funds, which may include subsidy savings, are being used to “fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.”
Supreme Court Ruling Underscores Accountability
SERAP underscored that the demand for information is a constitutional right, bolstered by a groundbreaking Supreme Court judgment that makes the Freedom of Information Act fully applicable to state governors.
“Any failure to account for the spending of money collected by your state from the subsidy savings will amount to a blatant disregard of the Supreme Court judgment which has effectively ended the claims by governors that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply,” the letter read.
The organization concluded with a clear timeline, setting the stage for a major legal confrontation over accountability: “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 consider appropriate legal actions to compel your state and the FCT to comply with our request in the public interest.”
