SERAP demands that all governors and the FCT Minister reveal how fuel subsidy savings were spent, warning of legal action for lack of transparency

SERAP has called on all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly disclose how they spent trillions of naira received from fuel subsidy savings since the policy’s removal in 2023.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged the governors and the FCT minister to provide detailed accounts of the allocations received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), as well as plans for future disbursements.

SERAP expressed concern that the use of these increased allocations has been shrouded in secrecy, warning of possible mismanagement, diversion of funds, and reckless spending on luxuries while millions of Nigerians face worsening poverty and unpaid wages.

The organisation said the fuel subsidy savings were intended to bring measurable social and economic relief to citizens, not to finance wasteful political expenditure.

It noted that transparency would allow Nigerians to scrutinise spending and hold leaders accountable for the use of public funds.

In a series of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests sent to the governors and the FCT Minister, SERAP demanded full disclosure of how the subsidy savings had been managed, warning that failure to comply within seven days would prompt legal action in line with the Freedom of Information Act and recent Supreme Court rulings.

Quoting the FoI request, the group stated, “Millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions collected as a result of the subsidy savings.

Several states are reportedly using public funds to finance unnecessary travels, exotic cars, and lavish lifestyles.”

SERAP reminded public officials that the Nigerian Constitution and the UN Convention against Corruption impose legal obligations to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

According to the organisation, the FAAC distributed ₦28.78 trillion in 2024 a 79 per cent increase from the previous year—following the removal of fuel subsidy.

However, despite this windfall, many states continue to owe salaries and pensions while citizens struggle with rising poverty and poor infrastructure.

The group emphasised that SERAP’s demand is rooted in constitutional and democratic principles, asserting that citizens have a right to know how their resources are spent.

It cited the Supreme Court’s judgment declaring that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all states, ending governors’ claims of exemption.

“The judgment sends a powerful message that state governors can no longer hide under false pretences. They must now demonstrate accountability and integrity in managing public funds,” SERAP stated.

Civil society groups have long echoed this call, urging transparency in the management of Nigeria’s post-subsidy savings.

Despite increased revenue allocations, the expected improvements in public welfare and infrastructure remain largely unseen, fuelling questions about the true use of the funds.

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With SERAP’s latest warning, the push for transparency in Nigeria’s fiscal management is set to intensify, as public trust hinges on how effectively leaders account for the nation’s economic windfalls.