Nigeria's Senate President Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas urged to explain ₦1.3bn allocation to fictitious council

The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas demanding that they disclose all documents related to the approval of more than ₦1.3 billion (₦1,302,978,784) earmarked for the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council / Presidential Economic Advisory Council in the 2026 Appropriation Act. SERAD notes that the presidency has publicly stated the council was never established, describing it as “fictitious.” The civic group is asking the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 to investigate the allocation, identify any irregularities and publish certified copies of committee records and testimonies of officials who defended the budget line. SERAP warned it will take legal action if the information is not provided within seven days, arguing that Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were spent on a non‑existent entity.

The request highlights concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s budgeting process, legislative oversight and public financial management.