Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has promised to embark on legal actions against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, if the National Assembly’s budget is not significantly reduced within seven days.
The current budget stands at a staggering N344.85 billion, which SERAP argues does not reflect the country’s economic challenges and the need for reduced governance costs.
In a letter dated January 13, 2024, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed concern over the budget increase, which they deem a breach of constitutional responsibilities by the lawmakers. The letter emphasized that the increase, if not addressed, could worsen Nigeria’s debt crisis and is seen as inconsistent with the lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.
SERAP has called for transparency extends to the details of the budget, particularly questioning the proposed N3 billion allocations for both the Senate and House of Representatives Car Parks, and the significant allocations for the National Assembly’s various other projects. The organization stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in public administration as fundamental elements of democracy.
Moreover, SERAP requested President Bola Tinubu to present a revised supplementary appropriation bill reflecting the reduced budget for National Assembly approval. The organization also demanded clarity on the N8.5 billion earmarked for ‘National Assembly liabilities,’ and questioned the budget allocations for the National Assembly E-Library and the procurement of books.
The current budget, which represents over a 70 percent increase from the N197 billion proposed by President Tinubu, has been described by SERAP as the highest-ever allocation to the National Assembly. The breakdown of the budget includes allocations for various offices, committees, and projects, including the National Assembly building, legislative aides, the National Assembly Service Commission, and numerous others.
