February 10, 2025 – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations that contractors collected over N167 billion from 31 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) without executing any projects. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, also names the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, as a respondent.
In the legal action, SERAP is requesting the court to compel President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, to publish the names of the contractors involved and ensure their prosecution. The organization argues that the failure to hold these contractors accountable has severely impacted access to public goods and services for impoverished Nigerians.
SERAP is seeking transparency regarding the N167 billion, urging the government to disclose details of the projects, including their locations, amounts collected by each contractor, and the names of shareholders. The organization contends that such actions would help combat corruption and ensure responsible spending of public funds.
The lawsuit highlights a significant concern regarding the misuse of public resources and calls for adherence to the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption legislation, and international obligations aimed at preventing fraud and waste in public spending.
This legal move underscores ongoing efforts by civil society organizations to demand accountability from government officials and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the populace.
