The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their alleged failure to provide an account of N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT. SERAP is also demanding the publication of copies of the loan agreements, including project details and locations.
This lawsuit follows revelations made by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State last month, disclosing that the past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left behind $587 million in debt, along with other financial liabilities, making it difficult for the state to meet salary obligations.
The suit, filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/592/2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday, seeks to compel the governors and Mr Wike to account for the loans and publish the associated agreements and project information. Additionally, SERAP is requesting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the expenditure of these loans.
SERAP argues that transparency in loan spending is essential for accountability and preventing corruption. It alleges that some states and the FCT are mismanaging public funds, including loans obtained from various sources. The organization emphasizes that such mismanagement contributes to delayed salary payments and hinders access to essential public services for millions of Nigerians.
The lawsuit, represented by SERAP’s lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, asserts that transparency and accountability principles should guide loan utilization. It stresses the importance of public access to loan agreements and spending details to ensure accountability and citizen engagement in governance.
SERAP contends that the Constitution and international human rights treaties impose obligations on states and the FCT to prevent mismanagement of public funds, including loans. It highlights the detrimental effects of corruption and mismanagement on Nigeria’s development and calls for increased transparency to combat these challenges.
No hearing date has been set for the suit, which underscores the ongoing efforts to promote accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s governance.
