The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to reveal the “precise amount of monthly running costs” given to members of the National Assembly.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped forward with a significant request, addressing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. In a move aimed at promoting transparency, SERAP has urged these two powerful leaders to disclose the “exact amount of monthly running costs” allotted to each member of the National Assembly. This call for openness is not just about numbers but about shedding light on the operations of one of Nigeria’s most influential institutions.
SERAP, a well-known organization advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria, has always been at the forefront of pushing for responsible management of public funds. Their recent appeal highlights a growing concern about the secrecy surrounding how much money lawmakers receive every month to cover their expenses. These “monthly running costs” are provided to members of the National Assembly to support their work, but the exact amount remains unclear, which has raised eyebrows and sparked questions across the country.
Nigerians, who fund the government through taxes and other financial contributions, are eager to know how their money is being spent, especially in times when the economy is under strain. Many believe that it is only fair for the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives to come clean about these allocations and provide a detailed breakdown of how much each lawmaker is receiving as running costs. Such information would give Nigerians a clearer picture of whether public funds are being used responsibly and whether lawmakers are truly working in the best interest of the people.
SERAP’s call is part of a broader push for transparency in Nigeria’s government. The organization has long argued that openness about public finances is a critical step toward reducing corruption and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. By requesting the disclosure of these monthly running costs, SERAP is not just asking for a simple release of numbers; they are pushing for a system in which the National Assembly operates with the trust and confidence of the public.
The timing of this request is particularly important, as Nigeria faces a number of socio-economic challenges. Many Nigerians are grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. In such a climate, it is more important than ever for the government to demonstrate that public resources are being managed efficiently and in the best interests of the people. By disclosing the exact amounts allotted to each lawmaker, the National Assembly would be taking a significant step toward building public trust and showing a commitment to responsible governance.
Furthermore, SERAP’s request brings to light the larger issue of financial accountability within Nigeria’s political system. The lack of transparency around the National Assembly’s expenditures has fueled suspicions of financial mismanagement, and many citizens are left wondering whether lawmakers are receiving more money than they need. If the Senate President and Speaker of the House were to disclose these amounts, it could help dispel these suspicions and restore faith in the legislative process.
At the heart of SERAP’s appeal is the belief that a transparent government is key to a prosperous and equitable society. Without full disclosure of how funds are allocated and spent, there is a risk that corruption could thrive unchecked, leaving the people of Nigeria to suffer the consequences. By pressing for this information, SERAP hopes to encourage a culture of accountability where public officials are expected to be open about how they manage public resources.
SERAP’s call for the Senate President and Speaker of the House to reveal the exact amount of monthly running costs allotted to National Assembly members is more than just a request for figures. It is a plea for transparency, accountability, and a government that truly serves the people.
