Explain How You Spent ₦14 Trillion!” – SERAP Challenges Wike, Governors Over Subsidy Funds Nigerina’s React

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately account for how they spent an estimated ₦14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since mid-2023.

SERAP demanded that the officials release comprehensive details of projects allegedly executed with the funds, including their locations, status, and completion reports. The organisation also asked them to outline plans for managing subsequent subsidy savings expected from FAAC allocations.

In separate Freedom of Information (FoI) requests dated October 4, 2025, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stressed the need for transparency, insisting that the governors and the FCT minister invite both the ICPC and EFCC to track and monitor spending to prevent diversion into private pockets.

“The savings from fuel subsidy removal should be used strictly for the benefit of poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of this policy,” SERAP stated.

Despite trillions of naira in increased allocations, the group noted that there has been little to no improvement in public services such as healthcare, education, and access to basic infrastructure. Instead, several states have reportedly diverted funds to luxury expenditures, including foreign trips, bulletproof cars, and politicians’ lavish lifestyles.

SERAP warned of the risks of secrecy and mismanagement, stressing that transparency is the only way to ensure that subsidy savings deliver real benefits to citizens.

The group gave governors and the FCT minister seven days to comply or face legal action.

“Nigerians have a right to know how their money is being spent. Disclosing the details of subsidy savings will enable citizens to scrutinise projects, hold leaders accountable, and curb corruption,” the FoI request read.

SERAP also cited constitutional provisions and a landmark Supreme Court judgment affirming that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all public records, including those of state governments. It argued that any refusal to disclose spending details would not only breach citizens’ rights but also amount to a direct violation of the court’s ruling.

Furthermore, the organisation referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Corruption and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which impose a duty on governments to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

“Governors can no longer hide under the false claim that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them. The Supreme Court has made it clear: public funds must be accounted for, including subsidy savings,” SERAP emphasised.

According to SERAP, FAAC distributed ₦28.78 trillion in 2024 alone — a 79% increase from the previous year — yet millions of Nigerians remain trapped in poverty, with many states still owing salaries and pensions while borrowing to survive.

“The time for secrecy is over. The public has a legitimate right to know where the trillions in subsidy savings have gone, and whether they have improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” the statement concluded.