Explain ₦1.3bn Allocation to 'Fictitious' Presidential Council, SERAP Tells Nigerian Lawmakers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is demanding an explanation from Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas regarding a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act. SERAP alleges this sum was designated for a "fictitious" presidential council.

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urgently disclose certified copies of all documents relating to the consideration and approval of the allocation of over ₦1.3 billion (₦1,302,978,784) to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)/Presidential Economic Advisory Council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

In a Freedom of Information letter, the civic organization urged the National Assembly leadership to investigate the allocation's circumstances and disclose all related approval documents. SERAP specifically requested certified copies of documents concerning the consideration and approval of ₦1,302,978,784 for the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)/Presidential Economic Advisory Council. They also called for the National Assembly to use its constitutional powers to investigate irregularities and identify responsible parties.

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promptly exercise the National Assembly’s constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allocation to ‘a fictitious presidential council’ in the 2026 Appropriation Act and to identify anyone responsible for any irregularities.

SERAP's request further seeks records of the National Assembly committees that reviewed the allocation, along with the names and designations of public officers who defended it. Clarification is also sought on whether the allocation was part of the Executive's original budget proposal or introduced later. The organization highlighted conflicting reports, noting that the Presidency has publicly stated the council was never established, which raises serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's appropriations process, legislative oversight, and public financial management.

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These conflicting accounts raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriations process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.