SERAP Demands Probe Into Alleged Diversion of N6.3bn Constituency Funds

ABUJA — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion of N6.3 billion in federal constituency project funds. Vanguard’s June 29 headline compilation confirmed SERAP’s demand, which is directed at both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

SERAP Executive Director Kolawole Oluwadare said constituency project funds, which are allocated to federal lawmakers to sponsor development projects in their constituencies, have a long history of abuse in Nigeria. He said the N6.3 billion figure represents a specific tranche of alleged diversion that has come to the attention of civil society monitors through budget tracking and community feedback.

“Constituency project funds are public money allocated specifically for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians in local communities. When those funds are diverted, it is the most vulnerable people, the ones who need new roads, health centres, and schools, who suffer the direct consequences,” Oluwadare said.

The Constituency Fund Problem

Nigeria’s federal constituency project scheme has been repeatedly criticised by the Auditor-General, civil society groups, and international development organisations as one of the most abuse-prone public spending mechanisms in the government’s budget. Projects are often poorly executed, overpriced, or simply never delivered, with public funds disbursed to contractors who may be connected to the lawmakers sponsoring the projects.

Previous demands for investigation into constituency fund abuse have produced limited results. Both the EFCC and ICPC have investigated specific cases, but prosecutions have been rare and convictions even rarer, creating a culture of impunity that critics say actively discourages accountability.

SERAP’s Track Record

SERAP has successfully used freedom of information litigation and public pressure to compel government accountability on multiple previous occasions, including forcing disclosures about the Abuja CCTV project contracts and various public fund allocation processes. The organisation said it will escalate the constituency fund demand to court if the EFCC and ICPC do not act within a reasonable period.