The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a formal call for Nigeria’s 36 governors to publicly disclose the details of their security vote expenditures since May 29, 2023. The organization also urged the governors to invite anti-corruption agencies to investigate the use of these funds.
In a Freedom of Information request dated June 28, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP requested full transparency regarding security vote disbursements. The group specifically asked that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) be allowed to monitor the funds.
The call follows the recent Benue massacre and ongoing security crises in multiple states, which have heightened public demand for accountability. “In the wake of the Benue massacre and well-documented ongoing cases of insecurity in several states, there is a legitimate public interest for governors to account for how they spend security votes,” SERAP said.
SERAP criticized the failure of many governors to use the billions of naira allocated annually as security votes to improve security and protect citizens, pointing out that this neglect violates section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution. The organization expressed concern that secrecy surrounding these funds has enabled corruption and diminished public oversight.
The group referenced a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the applicability of the Freedom of Information Act to state governors, rejecting claims that governors are exempt from such transparency laws. “The Supreme Court has made clear that state governors can no longer hide under their unfounded claim that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them,” SERAP stated.
SERAP warned that any governor who fails to respond within seven days will face legal action to enforce transparency. The organization also cited a World Bank report that classifies Nigeria as a fragile and conflict-affected economy, where insecurity exacerbates poverty and human development challenges.
“The judgment sends a powerful message that state governors can no longer escape accountability for how they spend security votes,” SERAP concluded, urging governors to engage the public in an honest discussion about security challenges and their responses.