SERAP has sued 36 state governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over their alleged failure to account for ₦14 trillion fuel subsidy savings received from FAAC allocations since 2023
SERAP Sues 36 Governors, Wike Over Alleged Failure to Account for ₦14trn Fuel Subsidy Savings
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for the spending of an estimated ₦14 trillion fuel subsidy savings received through Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements.
SERAP disclosed the legal action in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the suit followed reports indicating that the governors and the FCT minister have collected trillions of naira in increased FAAC allocations since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023.
According to the organisation, the significant inflow of funds has not translated into meaningful improvements in access to quality healthcare, education and other basic services for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
The suit, marked FHC/L/MSC/1424/2025, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
SERAP is asking the court to direct and compel the governors and the FCT minister to publicly disclose:
- Detailed records of how the increased FAAC allocations, described as fuel subsidy savings, have been spent
- The specific projects executed, if any, using the funds
- The locations and completion reports of such projects
The organisation argued that Nigerians have a constitutional right to know how public funds — particularly fuel subsidy savings — are utilised by public officials.
“Nigerians ought to know in what manner public funds, including fuel subsidy savings, are spent by the governors and the FCT minister,” SERAP stated.
It added that democratic principles require openness, transparency and accountability, especially in the management of funds derived from a policy decision that has imposed economic hardship on citizens.
“The constitutional principle of democracy provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the spending details of the money collected from the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy,” the statement read.
SERAP maintained that citizens’ right to information is essential to promoting good governance and accountability, stressing that there is a legitimate public interest in demanding explanations for how the funds have been utilised.
“Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is crucial for the country’s democratic order,” the group said.
It urged the governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how the money collected so far has been spent, particularly in light of rising living costs across the country.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. Read More
