The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to Nigeria’s 36 state governors, demanding immediate disclosure of how public funds allocated as ‘security votes’ have been spent since May 29, 2023.
According to letters dated June 28, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on the governors to also invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate, track, and monitor these expenditures.
The move follows rising insecurity across the country, including the recent Benue massacre, which SERAP says highlights the urgent need for transparency.
“There is a legitimate public interest for governors to account for how they spend security votes,” the organisation stated.
Citing constitutional provisions, SERAP emphasised that security and welfare remain the primary purpose of government.
“Despite billions of naira budgeted annually, many governors are grossly failing in their duty to ensure safety and well-being,” the group added.
The organisation warned that any failure to respond within seven days would prompt legal action.
It referenced a Supreme Court ruling affirming the applicability of the Freedom of Information Act to all public records in the federation, including those of state governments.
“Governors can no longer claim immunity from transparency laws,” SERAP stressed, warning that secrecy in security vote spending fosters corruption and impedes efforts to hold officials accountable.
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