Lagos, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu over his alleged failure to prosecute contractors who received over N167 billion from 31 government agencies for projects that were never executed.
The lawsuit was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos (suit number FHC/L/MISC/121/2025) and also names the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a respondent.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the court to compel President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to disclose the names of the implicated contractors and ensure their prosecution. The organization is also pushing for a public report detailing the projects, their locations, funds disbursed, and the identities of shareholders.
According to SERAP, findings from the 2021 Auditor-General’s Report, published on November 13, 2024, revealed that 31 MDAs collectively paid over N167 billion for projects that were never executed. Notably, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. alone allegedly disbursed N100 billion under similar circumstances.
Other affected agencies include:
– Nigerian Correctional Service
– National Pension Commission
– Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri
– Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs
– Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)
– National Centre for Women Development*
SERAP argues that allowing contractors to evade accountability undermines governance, breaches anti-corruption laws, and violates Nigeria’s international commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The organization insists that prosecuting those involved is essential in preventing financial mismanagement and ensuring responsible use of public funds.
The statement concluded with SERAP’s renewed call for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
A hearing date is yet to be set.
By Taiwo Olatinwo|February 9, 2025
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