SERAP Takes Legal Action Against Nigerian Government Over Cash Transfers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the Federal Government of Nigeria regarding alleged financial irregularities involving ₦78.8 billion allocated for cash-transfer programs intended to assist vulnerable Nigerians. SERAP's lawsuit seeks to compel the government to investigate these allegations, recover misused funds, and hold accountable those responsible.

This legal action follows an Auditor-General's report that raised concerns about the management of funds and verification of beneficiary payments. The report highlighted ₦33.751 billion transferred to households in 2023, with inadequate records for verification, alongside ₦36.744 billion in payments made without audits.

SERAP's lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, argue that the government has failed to address these issues despite previous requests for action. The suit, filed under Article 9(4) of the ECOWAS Court Protocol, calls for an independent investigation and stronger financial accountability measures.