SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Alleged N167 Billion Project Fraud

 

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President Bola Tinubu has been taken to court by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over allegations of a N167 billion project fraud. SERAP, in a statement released on Sunday, accused Tinubu of failing to prosecute contractors who received funds for projects but failed to execute them. The organization identified 31 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) involved in the alleged fraud, where contractors were paid for projects that were never completed. This failure to act, according to SERAP, prompted the lawsuit against the president.

The civil society group expressed concern over the widespread issue of abandoned projects across government agencies, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance. SERAP urged the government to disclose all details related to the fraudulent contracts, stressing that Nigerians have the right to democratic governance and the ability to hold public officials accountable for their actions. The organization highlighted that transparency is crucial for ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that citizens can assess the progress of government initiatives.

Among the agencies implicated in the scandal is the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), which allegedly paid N100 billion to companies for projects that were never completed. Other MDAs listed include the Nigerian Correctional Service, National Pension Commission, Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). Also named are the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Federal Medical Centre in Bida, Niger State, National Centre for Women Development, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, among others.

SERAP’s lawsuit seeks to compel the government to take action against the contractors and ensure that such incidents of fraud are prevented in the future. The organization’s move underscores the growing demand for accountability in public spending and the need for leaders to prioritize the interests of citizens over corrupt practices. As the case unfolds, it will test the government’s commitment to transparency and its willingness to address systemic corruption in Nigeria.

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