- Akpabio, Abbas Face 7-Day Deadline Over Alleged ₦18.6bn NASS Scandal
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Audit report alleges payments without due process or approvals.
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Group threatens legal action if transparency isn’t ensured in 7 days.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to account for N18.6 billion allegedly missing from funds meant for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission Office Complex.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the 2022 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, the sum was paid to an unnamed construction firm without evidence of due process. The report also revealed an additional N6.9 billion was allegedly spent on converting a roof garden into office space, without formal approval.
Alleged Payment Amount (₦) Date Purpose
First payment 11.6 billion Aug 11, 2020 Construction of complex
Second payment 6.9 billion Nov 29, 2023 Roof garden conversion
In a letter dated October 18, 2025, SERAP urged Akpabio and Abbas to publish the identity of the company involved, including its directors and shareholders, and explain why essential procurement procedures—such as bidding, advertisement, and contract agreement—were ignored.
The Auditor-General’s report noted that the payments lacked Bills of Quantity, Federal Executive Council approval, and a Bureau of Public Procurement certificate of no objection, suggesting a possible diversion of public funds.
SERAP described the alleged irregularities as a breach of public trust, demanding that the National Assembly recover any missing money and ensure accountability. The group also warned that if no action is taken within seven days, it would initiate legal proceedings to compel compliance.
The organisation reminded lawmakers of their constitutional duty under Sections 13, 15, and 16 of the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption, stressing that misuse of public funds deprives citizens of essential services and undermines trust in governance.
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