Rights Group Requests Clarification on N1.3bn Budget Allocation to Unverified Council
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the leadership of the National Assembly to provide an explanation for the inclusion of more than N1.3 billion in the 2026 budget for a presidential council reportedly not officially established.
In a Freedom of Information request dated July 4, 2026, the organisation called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to disclose documents detailing how the allocation was considered and approved.
SERAP is seeking records related to the funding provision for the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, which it said appeared in the budget despite claims that it does not exist as a government entity.
The organisation also urged lawmakers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allocation, asking for details of the committees involved in reviewing the budget line, as well as the officials who presented or defended it during deliberations.
Additionally, it requested clarification on whether the allocation was part of the original budget proposal submitted by the executive or introduced during the legislative process.
SERAP noted that the situation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in public spending, particularly if funds were appropriated for an entity without legal backing.
The group emphasised the responsibility of the National Assembly to thoroughly scrutinise budget proposals before approval, stressing that proper oversight is essential to ensure responsible management of public resources.
It further stated that the public has a right to understand how such an allocation was made and whether due process was followed. SERAP added that it may pursue legal action if the requested information is not provided within the stipulated timeframe.
