The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding immediate disclosure of how the estimated ₦14 trillion fuel subsidy savings received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have been spent—or face legal action.
In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated October 4, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called on the governors and the FCT Minister to publish detailed spending records of the subsidy savings allocated to their states since the removal of fuel subsidy in mid-2023.
SERAP emphasized that Nigerians deserve to know how the huge inflows from FAAC allocations are being utilized, stressing that the funds must be used transparently and accountably to improve access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure for poor and vulnerable citizens.
According to SERAP:
“There is a legitimate public interest for governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how they have spent the money they have so far collected from the subsidy savings. The savings ought to be spent solely for the benefit of poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of subsidy removal.”
The rights group further urged the governors and Wike to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track, monitor, and audit the spending of the fuel subsidy savings to prevent mismanagement or diversion into private pockets.
SERAP also expressed concern that despite the massive rise in FAAC allocations, many states have not shown any tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare, describing the situation as “deeply troubling.”
The group added:
“The spending details of the money collected by several states and the FCT from fuel subsidy savings have been mostly shrouded in secrecy. Millions of poor Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions of naira collected. Instead, poverty continues to worsen.”
SERAP’s warning underscores growing public concern about accountability and transparency in the management of post-subsidy revenues, especially at a time when inflation, hunger, and unemployment remain at record highs across the country.
The group said if the governors and the FCT minister fail to respond within the stipulated timeframe, it will take legal steps to compel them to release the requested information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
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