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 provide a full account of N18.6 billion allegedly unaccounted for in the National Assembly Service Commission Office Complex project.
In a letter dated 18 October 2025 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation cited findings from the 2022 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which indicated serious irregularities surrounding the contract award and execution.
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report revealed that a contract worth N11.6 billion was awarded to an "unknown construction company" without due process.
The watchdog said that no needs assessment was carried out, no public advertisement was issued, and no competitive bids were obtained before the contract was approved.
It further alleged that the contract was "inflated by N6.9 billion" for the conversion of a roof garden into office space, with the payment made on 29 November 2023.
The group added that the Bill of Quantity for the project was "not priced," and no valid agreement was executed before funds were released.
"Both contracts were reportedly awarded without approval by the Federal Executive Council and without a Bureau of Public Procurement’s Certificate of No Objection," SERAP said.
The Auditor-General worried that the total N18.6 billion allocated for the complex "may be missing," urging a full investigation into the whereabouts of the funds.
SERAP has now asked Akpabio and Abbas to disclose the identity of the purported construction firm, including the names of its directors, shareholders, and registered address.
It also urged them to refer the matter to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and potential recovery of public funds.
Describing the allegations as "grim" and indicative of "grave violations of public trust," SERAP reminded the National Assembly of its constitutional duty under Section 15(5) to eradicate corrupt practices, as well as its obligations under Sections 13 and 16 to promote transparency and national welfare.
"The National Assembly can only perform its oversight and anti-corruption roles effectively if it demonstrates exemplary leadership," the organisation warned, adding that addressing the scandal would help restore public confidence.
The group also cited Nigeria’s commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption, noting that Articles 5 and 9 require transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
SERAP demanded that corrective steps be taken within seven days, warning that failure to respond would leave it with no option but to pursue legal action to compel compliance.
"Explaining the whereabouts of the missing funds and ensuring prosecution of perpetrators would serve the public interest," SERAP said, stressing that corruption inflicts severe hardship on citizens and undermines essential public services.
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