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SERAP gives 36 Governors, Wike 7 days to account for N5.9trn, $4.6bn loans

Published

2 years ago

April 1, 2024

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to “widely publish copies of the loan agreements and spending details of some N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT, including details and locations of projects executed with the loans.”

SERAP also urged them to “promptly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”

SERAP’s request followed the disclosure last week by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left $587m, N85bn debt and 115 contractual labilities, making it impossible for the state to pay salaries.

In the Freedom of Information requests dated 30 March 2024 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish copies of the loan agreements and details of how the loans obtained are spent.”

SERAP said, “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors.”

SERAP said, “Widely publishing copies of the loan agreements and spending details of the loans obtained would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.”

The FoI requests, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned that many of the country’s 36 states and FCT are allegedly mismanaging public funds which may include domestic and external loans obtained from bilateral and multilateral institutions and agencies.”

“Transparency in the spending of the loans obtained by your state is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”

“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is N5.9 trillion. The total public external debt portfolio is $4.6 billion.”

“Many states and the FCT reportedly owe civil servants’ salaries and pensions. Several states are borrowing to pay salaries. Millions of Nigerians resident in your state and the FCT continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services such as quality education and healthcare.”

“Several states including your state are also reportedly spending public funds which may include the domestic and external loans to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned that the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT are vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by your state are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”

“Publishing copies of the loan agreements obtained by your state and the FCT would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and promote transparency and accountability on the spending of public funds including the loans obtained.”

“SERAP believes that providing and widely publishing the details of the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT would enable Nigerians to effectively and meaningfully engage in the management of the loans.”

“SERAP believes that the constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the details of loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”

“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinize, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the spending of loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”

“To do this, they need information to enable them to participate more effectively in the management of public funds by their state government and the FCT.”

“The public interest in obtaining information about expenditures relating to the loans obtained by your state outweighs any privacy or other interest. Moreover, the oversight afforded by public access to such details would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”

“SERAP is concerned that there is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to loans obtained by state governments including your state. The accounts of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT are generally not open to public scrutiny.”

“Your state has obligations under international anticorruption and human rights law, including a responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds, and redress any abuse of public trust.”

“The Nigerian Constitution, human rights and anticorruption treaties to which Nigeria is a state party also impose obligations on your state to prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds including the loans obtained.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds including the loans obtained by states have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”

“Opacity in the spending of loans obtained by states has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”

“Transparency would ensure that these loans are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust that these loans are used and any future loans would be used to benefit Nigerians resident in your state.

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about the loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent.”

“Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.

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IPoB reshuffles leadership as Nnamdi Kanu dissolves DoS

Published

11 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

NFIU exposes financing channels of IPOB, terror groups

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The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, has announced a major restructuring of its leadership hierarchy, with its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, dissolving the third administration of the group’s Directorate of State, DoS, and inaugurating a new leadership team.

In a statement issued Wednesday from Langerfeld, Germany, IPoB said Kanu approved the dissolution of the outgoing administration and appointed United States-based Mazi Chris Nwaogu as the new Head of the Directorate of State.

According to the statement, Nwaogu is to assume immediate responsibility for the administration, coordination, and day-to-day management of the organisation’s affairs under Kanu’s authority.

The group explained that the Directorate of State, established in 2012, serves as the administrative arm of IPOB.

Previous heads of the body were Dr Justin Akujieze, Mazi Uchenna Asiegbu, and Chika Edoziem, who led the third administration from 2017.

IPOB said the decision followed what it described as a review of the performance of the outgoing leadership during a critical period in the movement’s history.

The statement cited concerns over the welfare of detained members, internal disagreements, organisational cohesion, communication challenges, and the need for renewed strategic direction as factors behind the leadership change.

“The dissolution of the third administration is ultimately not an act of vengeance but an act of organisational renewal,” the statement said.

The group maintained that the new leadership has been mandated to rebuild confidence within the organisation, strengthen internal unity, improve communication structures, and focus on the welfare of members.

As part of the reorganisation, IPOB announced the establishment of an Elders Advisory Council, which it said would function as a strategic advisory body between the group’s leader and the Directorate of State.

The newly constituted Directorate includes Mazi Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head of DOS; Nwada Ogwu Nnennaya Anya I. as Head of Finance and Budget Planning; Mazi Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators; Dr. Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning; and Barrister Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.

IPOB also retained Comrade Emma Powerful as Spokesperson and Media and Publicity Secretary, while naming representatives for Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

In addition, the organisation announced several national appointments, including coordinators for Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

The statement further directed all IPOB officers, coordinators, and unit heads worldwide to establish contact with the group’s headquarters in Germany for further directives.

IPOB also announced the reinstatement of previously suspended or expelled officers, stating that affected individuals had been reintegrated into the organisation pending further administrative review.The group urged members and supporters to remain united and committed as the new administration assumes office.“The day-to-day affairs of the Indigenous People of Biafra shall henceforth be piloted by Mazi Chris Nwaogu and his team in accordance with the directives and vision of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement added.

The leadership changes come amid ongoing efforts by the pro -Biafra group to re-organise its structures and activities both within Nigeria and across its international chapters.

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26-year-old Lawyer dies while celebrating Ghana’s World Cup victory over Panama

Published

13 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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A 26-year-old lawyer, Sara Araba Tettey, has tragically died while celebrating Ghana’s World Cup victory over Panama.

Tettey, a newly qualified lawyer and alumna of the Faculty of Law at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was among millions of Ghanaians rejoicing over the Black Stars’ triumph when tragedy struck.

According to reports, she suffered a cardiac arrest while watching the match with friends at Standard Hostel, a private student hostel located at Bomso near the KNUST campus in Kumasi.

Witnesses immediately rushed her to the KNUST Hospital, where medical personnel reportedly spent about 45 minutes administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in a desperate attempt to save her life. Sadly, all efforts proved unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead.
Tettey had only recently been called to the Ghana Bar, making her sudden death even more heartbreaking for family, friends, colleagues, and members of the legal community.

News of her passing has spread rapidly across the country, casting a shadow over what had been a moment of national celebration. While Ghanaians continue to celebrate the Black Stars’ victory, many are also mourning the loss of a promising young professional whose life was cut short.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid medical response during large public and social events.

What should have been a day remembered solely for Ghana’s sporting success has instead become a day marked by both celebration and sorrow.

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Shocking! Vandals excavate, steal 3km of Port Harcourt–Kaduna Pipeline after spending months in South-East forest

Published

17 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

A petroleum product pipeline

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A major national security and economic sabotage has unfolded in Nigeria’s South-East as suspected pipeline vandals have excavated and removed more than three kilometres of a strategic high-pressure petroleum pipeline.

The pipeline transports refined petroleum products from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kaduna in Northern Nigeria.

An investigation revealed that the large-scale vandalisation occurred in remote forests straddling Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State and Obeagu Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, raising serious questions about security oversight and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

The affected pipeline forms part of Nigeria’s vital petroleum distribution network, conveying petroleum products from the Port Harcourt refinery corridor through several states to northern parts of the country.

During a visit to the scene, SaharaReporters observed extensive excavation trenches stretching across difficult terrain, with evidence suggesting that the operation was carried out over an extended period rather than as a hit-and-run criminal activity.

The scale of the operation indicates a highly organised network involving specialised equipment, logistics support and detailed knowledge of the pipeline route.

Reaching the vandalised section underscored the remoteness of the operation. It took the media over three hours and twenty minutes to reach the area by motorcycle.

At one point, the journey became impossible by road, forcing our crew and the commercial motorcyclist conveying them to abandon the motorcycle and trek more than two kilometres through a dense forest before arriving at the site.

At the scene, large sections of the pipeline had already been excavated and removed, leaving behind deep trenches and signs of heavy mechanical activity.

Residents of both Eha-Amufu and Obeagu communities alleged that the operation was masterminded by a businessman in Ebonyi State, whose identity could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

According to multiple sources familiar with the operation, the suspect allegedly mobilised dozens of workers from Abakaliki area of Ebonyi State and established a makeshift camp inside the forest for weeks or even months, while the excavation progressed.

One source told SaharaReporters: “I don’t know his real name. He came with more than 50 able-bodied men from Izzi. They spent over two months inside the bush excavating the pipeline.”

The source added that after exposing the buried infrastructure, the group deployed specialised cutting equipment to slice the pipes into transportable sections before evacuating them in trucks.

“They dug up the pipeline, cut it into pieces using heavy machinery and loaded the materials onto trucks. They lived in the forest throughout the operation. They evacuated the pipes in the dead of the night with assistance of corrupt elements in the security,” the resident said.

Residents expressed shock that such a large-scale operation could have continued for months without attracting decisive intervention from authorities.

Several sources alleged that multiple security agencies operating in the area were aware of the activities of the criminals. (SaharaReporters)