The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over their failure to account for billions of naira spent as “security votes” since 29 May 2023, funds meant to protect lives and property.
The suit follows reports of the Benue massacre and rising insecurity in multiple states and the FCT, despite over ₦400 billion being budgeted annually for security votes. In 2026, 10 governors reportedly allocated about ₦140 billion for security purposes.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to compel the governors and the FCT minister to disclose how security votes have been spent since May 2023. The organization also wants detailed reports on how funds were allocated, how they were spent, the status and completion of security projects, and any plans to strengthen security infrastructure.
SERAP emphasized that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds are being used, noting that escalating insecurity has worsened poverty, hunger, and human rights violations. The organization criticized governors and the FCT minister for failing in their constitutional duty to protect citizens, and argued that the longstanding secrecy around security votes fosters corruption.
The suit further highlights that many officials continue to fail to ensure public safety despite billions allocated, which violates Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution. SERAP pointed out that the Supreme Court has confirmed that the Freedom of Information Act applies to security vote spending, and stressed that treating these funds as personal resources is unconstitutional.
Requiring disclosure, the organization argues, would allow Nigerians to engage in honest discussions about security challenges.
Citing the World Bank, SERAP noted that Nigeria is classified as a fragile and conflict-affected economy, where insecurity contributes to extreme poverty, food insecurity, and gaps in health and education services.
No hearing date has yet been fixed for the suit.
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