The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has requested all 36 Nigerian state governors to openly account for their use of allocated security funds since May 29, 2023. The organization also called on governors to engage anti-corruption bodies to scrutinize expenditure.
In a Freedom of Information request dated June 28, 2025, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, the Deputy Director, SERAP urged the governors to let the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission monitor the allocation of these funds.
“Given the recent tragedy in Benue and the widespread instances of insecurity in various states, there is a pressing public demand for governors to justify their usage of security funds,” SERAP stated.
The group criticized the persistent negligence of numerous governors to utilize public finances for enhancing security, despite receiving substantial sums under the banner of security votes.
“Even with annual allocations of billions of naira for security, many governors are failing to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens in their jurisdictions, which contradicts section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution,” the organization remarked.
They cautioned that the lack of transparency regarding security funding has promoted corruption and diminished citizens’ ability to hold their leaders accountable.
SERAP pointed out that governors can no longer assert immunity from scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act, referencing a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the law’s relevance across all governance levels.
“The Supreme Court has clarified that state governors must no longer rely on the unfounded argument that the Freedom of Information Act does not pertain to them,” the statement noted.
The organization indicated that failure by any governor to address its request within seven days could lead to legal measures to enforce transparency.
Additionally, they highlighted a World Bank report labeling Nigeria as undergoing fragile and conflict-affected conditions, indicating that insecurity exacerbates extreme poverty and worsens human development metrics.
SERAP asserted, “The ruling sends a strong message that state governors cannot evade responsibility for how they allocate security funds.”
“Revealing the details of how state security funds are spent would facilitate a genuine dialogue with the Nigerian populace regarding the security challenges in various states and governors’ responses to them.”