NEWS
SERAP Urges Akpabio, Abbas to Account Missing N18.6bn for NASS Commission Office Complex
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to “promptly account for the missing N18.6bn meant for the construction of the National Assembly Commission Office Complex, as documented in the latest 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”
In addition, the SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to disclose the name of the alleged ‘fictitious construction company’ that reportedly collected N18.6bn for the construction of the National Assembly Commission Office Complex, including the names and details of the directors, shareholders and the company’s address.”
The SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to explain the failure to follow the Procurement Act, including the failure to carry out any needs assessment before the award of the contract, to advertise the bidding, to issue a contract agreement, and to issue bidders’ quotations before the construction company was paid N18.6 billion’”
The SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to explain the rationale for the ‘inflation of the contract by N6.9 billion for the conversion of the roof garden to office space’, and why no approval was obtained for the upward review of the contract, and to disclose the implementation status of the project.”
The grave allegations are documented in the latest 2022 annual report published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on 9 September 2025.
In the letter dated 18 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and national and international anticorruption obligations.”
The SERAP said, “the National Assembly can only effectively perform its oversight and anti-corruption roles if it can demonstrate exemplary leadership to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement involving the NASS commission.”
According to the SERAP, “the National Assembly ought to live up to its constitutional responsibilities by upholding and defending the basic principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
The letter, read in part: “Addressing the allegations would improve public confidence and trust in the ability of the National Assembly to exercise their constitutional and oversight responsibilities, and to adhere to the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”
“It would also show that the National Assembly is acting in the best interest of the people, and not for personal interest.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 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, the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“According to the recently published 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation, the National Assembly Service Commission paid over N11.6 billion [N11,647,302,594,00] to ‘an unknown construction company’ for ‘the construction the Commission’s Complex within 24 months.’”
“The payment was reportedly made on 11 August 2020. But ‘the contract was inflated by over N6.9 billion [N6,930,000.000.00]’ and the money was reportedly paid to the construction company on 29 November 2023’ ‘for the conversion of the roof garden to office space.’”
“The contract was reportedly awarded without a Bill of Quantity (BOQ) for the upward of the contract, and the ‘BOQ for the contract of N11.6 billion was not priced.’”
“Both contracts were reportedly awarded without any needs assessment, newspaper advertisements, bidding process, contract agreement, bidders’ quotations and without any approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). There was also no ‘Bureau of Public Procurement’s Certificate of ‘No Objection’.’”
“The Auditor-General fears the N18.6 billion of public funds budgeted for ‘the construction of the Commission’s Office Complex and the conversion of the roof garden to office space’ may be missing. He wants the money accounted for.”
The “SERAP is concerned that the money may have been misappropriated, diverted or stolen. These grave violations reflect the continuing failure of the National Assembly and its commission to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”
“Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, publishing the details of the construction company which collected the money and ensuring the prosecution of the perpetrators and the recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest.”
“Poor and vulnerable Nigerians continue to bear the heavy economic and social costs of corruption. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.”
“Corruption traps the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprives them of opportunities. The National Assembly therefore has a responsibility to curb it.”
“Allegations of corruption continue to undermine economic development, violate social justice, and destroy trust in economic, social, and political institutions, as well as lead to deficient public services.”
“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the public funds and details of the construction company. Taking the recommended measures would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
The “SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions including the National Assembly and its commission to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly and its commission to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
ALSO READ: 2025 NWFL Season Ends, Four Teams Promoted to Championship
“Under Section 16(1)(a)(b), the National Assembly and its commission have the obligations to ‘harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant economy’, and to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.’”
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”
The “SERAP urges to refer these grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s national and international anticorruption obligations to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as appropriate, and the recovery and remittance of the public funds into the treasury.”
The United Nations has raised the alarm over a dramatic surge in attacks on schools worldwide, reporting a 166% increase between 2021 and 2024.
The rise highlights the escalating dangers faced by children in conflict zones.
United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, revealed the figures during the annual meeting of the UN Human Rights Council on the rights of the child on Monday.
The session, themed “Mainstreaming the Rights of Children in Armed Conflict: Prevention and Protection,” focused on protecting children amid global conflicts.
Al-Nashif noted that the attacks were particularly concentrated in Sudan, Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Myanmar, and Ethiopia, where children remain among the most vulnerable victims.
“In 2024, armed conflict directly affected nearly one in six children globally—about 470 million children,” she said. “Years of lost education, trauma, and lasting mental scars shape societies for generations. Long after the fighting subsides, children continue to face deadly risks.”
She highlighted Gaza as having the world’s highest number of child amputees per capita, warning that the impact of war goes far beyond immediate violence.
In Lebanon, government figures show that more than 450,000 people were displaced in less than a week, with at least 394 fatalities, including 83 children, during the 2024 conflict with Israel.
Al-Nashif also stressed the disproportionate risks for displaced children, who are more likely to die from disease linked to unsafe water and sanitation than from direct violence.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a 2025 cholera outbreak killed 340 children, underscoring the long-term consequences of conflict.
She called on states to uphold their international obligations to protect children, insisting that protecting children is “both a legal obligation and a humanitarian moral imperative.”
Also speaking at the council, Vanessa Frazier, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, warned that violence against children continued at extreme levels in 2025.
She urged mainstreaming child protection across peace, security, humanitarian, human rights, and development efforts, emphasizing that children should actively participate in shaping policies designed to safeguard them.
Frazier highlighted her office’s global campaign, “Prove It Matters,” aimed at amplifying children’s voices in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
The UN report underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect children and ensure their safety in conflict zones worldwide.
Portugal officially inaugurated its new president, Antonio Jose Seguro, on Monday, pledging to bring stability to a nation shaken by political uncertainty and natural disasters.
Seguro, the centre-left candidate, won last month’s presidential run-off against far-right rival Andre Ventura, following weeks of catastrophic storms that killed at least seven people and caused approximately €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in damage.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in Lisbon’s parliament, Seguro emphasized cooperation with the minority right-wing government and vowed to end the country’s “electoral frenzy.”
SEE MORE: Spain, Portugal Plunge Into Darkness Amid Widespread Power Outage
“I will do everything I can to put an end to this electoral frenzy,” he said, pointing to the inability of previous governments to complete their terms.
Amid global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and a more isolationist US approach under President Donald Trump, Seguro stressed the importance of multilateralism.
“The force of law has been replaced by the power of the strongest,” he remarked.
Seguro succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a conservative who leaves office at 77 after serving two five-year terms.
While the Portuguese presidency is largely ceremonial, Seguro’s leadership signals a commitment to political stability and international engagement.
Nigerians are facing yet another economic blow as petrol prices surge again. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N1,175 per litre, marking the third increase in just one week.
The latest adjustment, announced to marketers on Monday, follows a temporary suspension of petrol sales at the refinery on Sunday. Diesel, also known as Automotive Gas Oil, has also been revised upwards to N1,620 per litre.
ALSO READ: NNPC, Dangote Team Up to Power Nigeria’s Energy Future
A senior refinery official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the hike, noting that it reflects “prevailing market fundamentals and the cost environment we are currently operating in.”
Industry checks show that depot pricing systems have already updated the new rates, signaling an inevitable rise at retail stations.
In some cities, petrol is now being sold at over N1,200 per litre, adding pressure on Nigerian motorists and businesses alike.
This repeated surge comes after earlier increases that pushed gantry prices from N774 to N995 per litre earlier this week.
Experts warn that the hikes are likely to drive up transportation, logistics, and production costs, potentially impacting the prices of goods and services nationwide.
While the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), is working to secure crude supplies for the refinery via international traders, officials cautioned that this may not immediately reduce prices for consumers.
African Club Football Gets Major Financial Boost as CAF Hikes Prize Money
Abramovich Clashes with UK Gov’t Over £2.35bn Chelsea Sale Funds
Global Crisis: Attacks on Schools Skyrocket 166% – UN Sounds Alarm on Children’s Safety
Appeal Court Deals Major Blow to Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election Hopes in Ondo
After Turbulent Elections, Portugal Swears In Seguro as President
JUST IN: Nigerians Reeling as Dangote Sparks Another Spike in Fuel Prices
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Things To Know About Threads, Zuckerberg’s Twitter-like App
https://shorturl.fm/uvLql
https://shorturl.fm/vLcHZ
I am glad to be one of the visitants on this outstanding site (:, regards for putting up.
Dead composed content material, Really enjoyed reading through.
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great site.
Very excellent visual appeal on this internet site, I’d value it 10 10.
I¦ve learn some just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to make this type of magnificent informative web site.
I?¦ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am glad to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot no doubt will make certain to don?¦t overlook this website and give it a look on a continuing basis.
Nearly all of the things you mention happens to be supprisingly appropriate and that makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. This particular article truly did switch the light on for me as far as this specific topic goes. However there is one particular issue I am not really too cozy with and whilst I try to reconcile that with the main idea of your issue, permit me see what all the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Well done.
I have been surfing online greater than three hours these days, yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty value enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet will probably be much more helpful than ever before.
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
There are actually plenty of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to deliver up. I offer the thoughts above as common inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up the place the most important factor might be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Both girls and boys feel the impression of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.