PFIPC Budget Scandal: SERAP Demands Answers From Akpabio, Abbas Over ₦1.3bn Allocation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to disclose documents relating to the approval of more than ₦1.3 billion allocated to the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The demand was made in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The organisation urged the leadership of the National Assembly to invoke its investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to examine the circumstances surrounding the budgetary allocation to what it described as a “fictitious presidential council.”

SERAP also called for a thorough investigation to identify any individuals who may have been responsible for alleged irregularities in the appropriation process.

As part of its request, the group asked for certified copies of documents identifying members of the National Assembly committees that considered and approved the allocation, as well as the names and official positions of public officials or representatives who appeared before the committees to defend the budget proposal.

It further requested clarification on whether the allocation was included in the Executive’s original Appropriation Bill or introduced during the legislative process.

The organisation also sought to know whether any lawmaker questioned the legal status, establishment or operational mandate of the council before the funds were approved.

According to SERAP, the differing accounts surrounding the allocation raise serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s budget process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.

“These conflicting accounts raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriations process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability. Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law,” the organisation stated.

SERAP maintained that Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated to an entity that was not lawfully established and, if so, how such an allocation was approved.

The group gave Akpabio and Abbas seven days to respond to the request, warning that it would pursue legal action if the requested information was not provided within the stipulated period.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter read.

SERAP added that releasing the requested documents would enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence in the National Assembly and promote greater accountability in the management of public funds.