In a bold move to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, demanding a comprehensive public disclosure of how an estimated N14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings, received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has been utilized. This call to action, detailed in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated October 4, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and in the interest of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.
SERAP’s request is rooted in the need for clarity on how these substantial funds, accrued since the removal of fuel subsidies in mid-2023, have been spent by state governments and the FCT administration. The organization has specifically urged the governors and the FCT minister to provide detailed information on the projects executed with these savings, including their locations, implementation status, and completion reports. Furthermore, SERAP has called for transparency regarding future plans for the use of subsequent FAAC allocations, particularly in relation to proposed projects that would benefit from these funds. This demand reflects growing public concern over the lack of visible improvements in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, despite the significant financial inflows to state governments.
The FoI request also emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent the mismanagement or diversion of these funds. SERAP has urged the governors and the FCT minister to publicly invite anti-corruption agencies, namely the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to monitor the expenditure of the subsidy savings. This step, according to SERAP, is essential to ensure that public resources are not siphoned off into private hands, a concern that has plagued Nigeria’s governance landscape for decades.
SERAP’s ultimatum comes against the backdrop of a significant increase in FAAC allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies. According to the organization, the FAAC distributed a staggering N28.78 trillion in 2024 alone, marking a 79 percent increase from the previous year. Of this amount, state governments received N5.22 trillion, with monthly allocations in 2025 reportedly exceeding N1.6 trillion. These figures highlight the substantial financial resources available to state governments, which SERAP argues should have translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, particularly the poor and socially vulnerable.
However, SERAP has expressed dismay that millions of Nigerians continue to face challenges in accessing basic public services. The organization has pointed out that, despite the influx of funds, many states still owe salaries and pensions, and some have resorted to borrowing to finance recurrent expenditures. This situation, according to SERAP, raises serious questions about the priorities of state governments and their commitment to using public funds for the common good. The group has accused several state administrations of squandering resources on frivolous expenses, such as unnecessary foreign trips, luxury vehicles, and extravagant political lifestyles, rather than investing in projects that would uplift the standard of living for ordinary citizens.
In its FoI request, SERAP has grounded its demands in both domestic and international legal frameworks. The organization cites Sections 13, 15(5), and 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate public institutions to eradicate corruption, manage resources for the collective benefit, and adhere to constitutional principles. Additionally, SERAP references Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which emphasize the right of citizens to know how public funds are being spent. By invoking these legal provisions, SERAP underscores the constitutional and moral imperative for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
SERAP has also highlighted the relevance of a landmark Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all states and the FCT. This ruling strengthens the legal basis for SERAP’s demand, as it establishes that state governments and the FCT administration are obligated to respond to FoI requests and provide detailed accounts of their financial activities. The organization has warned that failure to comply with the seven-day ultimatum will result in legal action to compel transparency, a step it deems necessary to protect the public interest.
The issue of fuel subsidy savings has been a contentious one in Nigeria since the government announced the removal of subsidies in mid-2023. The policy, aimed at redirecting funds to critical sectors, was expected to yield significant savings that would be reinvested in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public goods. However, the lack of transparency in how these funds have been managed has fueled public skepticism and distrust in governance. SERAP’s ultimatum seeks to address this trust deficit by compelling state leaders to provide a clear and detailed account of their stewardship of the subsidy savings.
The organization’s call for the involvement of anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and EFCC reflects a broader concern about the pervasive issue of corruption in Nigeria. By inviting these agencies to monitor the spending of FAAC allocations, SERAP aims to create a system of checks and balances that would deter the misappropriation of public funds. This measure is particularly important given the history of financial mismanagement in some states, where public resources have been diverted to private interests or used for non-essential purposes.
SERAP’s demand for detailed project information also serves to empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. By making public the locations, status, and completion reports of projects funded by subsidy savings, state governments would enable citizens to verify whether these initiatives are real, impactful, and aligned with public needs. This level of transparency is crucial in a country where allegations of “white elephant” projects—expensive but ineffective initiatives—have been a recurring issue.
The organization’s focus on future spending plans is equally significant. By requesting details of how subsequent FAAC allocations will be utilized, SERAP is pushing for a forward-looking approach to governance that prioritizes planning and accountability. This demand aligns with the principles of good governance, which require public officials to demonstrate foresight and responsibility in the management of resources.
The broader context of SERAP’s ultimatum is Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with poverty and inequality. Despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria continues to grapple with high levels of poverty, with millions of citizens lacking access to basic services such as clean water, healthcare, and quality education. The fuel subsidy savings, if properly managed, represent a significant opportunity to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. However, without transparency and accountability, there is a risk that these funds will be mismanaged, further exacerbating the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
SERAP’s track record as a leading advocate for transparency and accountability in Nigeria lends weight to its ultimatum. The organization has consistently used legal and advocacy tools to challenge opaque governance practices and hold public officials accountable. Its decision to issue a seven-day deadline reflects the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to restore public confidence in governance.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the FCT minister to see whether they will comply with SERAP’s demands. A positive response could mark a turning point in the country’s journey toward greater transparency and accountability. However, failure to act could deepen public disillusionment and trigger legal action, as SERAP has vowed to pursue all available avenues to ensure compliance.
In conclusion, SERAP’s ultimatum is a clarion call for Nigeria’s leaders to prioritize the public interest and demonstrate accountability in the management of fuel subsidy savings. By demanding detailed disclosures, inviting anti-corruption oversight, and grounding its request in constitutional and international obligations, SERAP is pushing for a governance model that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians. The outcome of this demand will have far-reaching implications for public trust and the effective use of public resources in Nigeria.
