The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to account for ₦18.6 billion allegedly missing from the National Assembly Commission Office Complex project.
In a letter signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, referenced findings in the 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation,SERAP urged the two presiding officers to disclose the name of the “fictitious construction company” that reportedly received the funds. The organisation also requested the names of the company’s directors, shareholders, and registered address.
The group said the Auditor-General’s report revealed that the contract was awarded without following due process.
It said the National Assembly failed to conduct any needs assessment, publish advertisements, or obtain bidders’ quotations before awarding the contract.
“Both contracts were reportedly awarded without any approval by the Federal Executive Council and without a Bureau of Public Procurement’s Certificate of No Objection,” SERAP stated.
The group further demanded explanations for “the inflation of the contract by ₦6.9 billion for the conversion of the roof garden to office space” and for failing to secure approval for the upward review.
According to it, the Auditor-General’s 2022 report, published on 9 September 2025, revealed that the National Assembly Service Commission paid ₦11.6 billion to an “unknown construction company” for the project within 24 months.
The report noted that the contract was inflated by ₦6.9 billion and that the payment was made on 29 November 2023 for the roof garden conversion.
It added that the Bill of Quantity for the ₦11.6 billion contract “was not priced”, and no valid agreement was issued before payment.
The Auditor-General expressed fears that the ₦18.6 billion allocated for the project “may be missing” and requested full accountability for the funds.
SERAP described the findings as “grim allegations” that indicate “grave violations of public trust and the Nigerian Constitution”.
The group said “The National Assembly can only perform its oversight and anti-corruption roles effectively if it demonstrates exemplary leadership,”
It added that the legislature must “uphold and defend the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
SERAP emphasised that addressing the allegations “would improve public confidence and show that the National Assembly acts in the public interest.”
The group urged the National Assembly to take measures within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter warning that if appropriate actions are not taken within the recommended time frame,it would take legal actions to ensure compliance.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days,” the organisation warned. “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance.”
