The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to disclose the “exact amount of monthly running costs” allocated to National Assembly members and provide detailed spending reports.

This request follows controversy over Senators’ salaries, fueled by former Senator Shehu Sani’s claim of monthly payments exceeding N13 million, which was later disputed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

SERAP criticized the alleged practice of self-fixing salaries, allowances, and running costs by the National Assembly. They urged for transparency and compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations, stressing that any misuse of funds should be investigated by anti-corruption agencies.

SERAP also condemned the practice of depositing running costs into personal accounts and called for the return of any misused funds. They warned that failure to comply with these demands within seven days could result in legal action to enforce transparency in the public interest.

The organization highlighted the illegality of lawmakers setting their own compensation, citing paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, and emphasized the need for adherence to the UN Convention against Corruption. SERAP asserted that Nigerians have the right to oversee the use of public funds and expect accountable performance from their officials.

They urged the National Assembly to act as a transparent and accountable body that upholds public trust and integrity.