The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of Nigeria’s National Assembly to immediately investigate damning allegations that federal lawmakers are required to pay bribes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦3 million to present bills, motions, or petitions.
The allegations, which have stirred nationwide outrage, were made by a member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa), in a viral video recorded in Hausa.
According to Auyo, the practice has been entrenched in the legislative process for years, creating a system where lawmaking is financially prohibitive and fundamentally corrupt.
“Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass.
“Even bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present it,” Auyo alleged.
He further noted that after paying, lawmakers must lobby all 360 members of the House to secure passage, adding another layer of financial burden.
In response, SERAP issued an open letter dated August 16, 2025, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The letter, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, described the alleged scheme as a “grave violation of public trust and constitutional oath of office.”
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.
“Such quid pro quo for lawmaking undermines the democratic rights of Nigerians and makes a mockery of the legislature’s constitutional powers under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution,” the group stated.
SERAP gave the National Assembly leadership seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no decisive steps were taken.
The organisation urged the referral of the case to Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for an impartial investigation and prosecution of those found culpable.
Beyond investigations, SERAP insisted that all lawmakers implicated in the scandal be publicly named and made to refund any illicit funds.
The organisation further demanded that whistleblower Ibrahim Auyo be protected under Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower who deserves full protection for his disclosures in the public interest.
“These revelations point to systemic corruption within the legislative arm of government,” the letter read.
SERAP also expressed concerns that similar cases may exist in the Senate, suggesting that the “bribes for bills” scandal could be more widespread than currently reported.
The organisation reminded the National Assembly that Section 15(5) of the Constitution mandates all public institutions to “abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
According to SERAP, failure to take urgent and transparent action would further erode public confidence in the legislature.
“Ensuring the investigation of allegations that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions, and prosecuting perpetrators, would strengthen accountability in the National Assembly and build trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” SERAP concluded.
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of The News Accelerator Network.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please get in touch with us at
📧 thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com
📞 0805 101 7159, 0814 404 8512.
Post a Comment