SERAP Demands Transparency from Governors, Wike on N14tn Fuel Subsidy Savings

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to make public the details of how they spent the estimated ₦14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings received through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In a Freedom of Information request dated October 4, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, asked the governors and the FCT minister to disclose project locations, implementation progress, completion reports, and future plans for the use of subsequent subsidy savings. He stressed that Nigerians have a right to know how the funds are being utilized in line with the principles of accountability and transparency.

SERAP called on the ICPC and EFCC to monitor the spending of the funds to prevent diversion for private gain, emphasizing that the savings from the fuel subsidy removal should be used solely to improve the welfare of poor and vulnerable citizens who continue to bear the brunt of the policy. The organisation warned that secrecy around the funds could worsen public distrust and deepen poverty.

The group noted that, despite the increase in FAAC disbursements since mid-2023, many states have not improved access to essential services like healthcare and education. SERAP accused some governors of wasteful expenditure on luxury vehicles, foreign trips, and political privileges, rather than investing in social welfare and infrastructure.

Citing constitutional provisions that mandate transparency and the eradication of corruption, SERAP demanded the release of the requested information within seven days, threatening legal action for non-compliance. The organisation added that although FAAC distributed ₦28.78 trillion in 2024—a 79% increase from the previous year—millions of Nigerians remain in poverty, with some states still struggling to pay salaries and pensions.