Account For N14trn Fuel Subsidy Savings, SERAP Tells Gov Uba Sani – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to publish detailed information on how the state has spent its share of the over N14 trillion saved from the removal of petrol subsidy since May 31, 2023.

In a letter dated October 4, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the civil society group urged the governor to make public “details of spending of the savings collected by your state from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, including the locations, costs, and implementation status of all projects executed with the funds.”

SERAP, a leading anti-corruption watchdog, also asked the Kaduna State Government to disclose plans for how future fuel subsidy savings will be utilised. The organisation further appealed to Governor Sani to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the spending of subsidy savings in the state to prevent embezzlement and diversion of funds.

According to SERAP, transparency in the use of the funds is a constitutional and moral obligation. “Your government has a legal responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of fuel subsidy collected by your state to ensure that the funds are spent solely for the benefit of the poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians,” the statement read.

The organisation referenced data indicating that in 2024 alone, the FAAC distributed N28.78 trillion to the three tiers of government, a 79 per cent increase from the previous year, with state governments receiving N5.22 trillion, representing a 45.5 per cent increase.

Despite the spike in allocations, SERAP expressed concern that millions of residents in Kaduna and other states have not benefited from the increased revenue. The group alleged that instead of channeling the funds into improving access to healthcare, education, and social welfare, “many states are reportedly spending public funds on unnecessary travels, purchasing exotic cars, and sustaining the lavish lifestyles of politicians.”

SERAP maintained that Governor Sani’s administration has a binding legal duty under Section 15(5) and Section 16(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to ensure public resources are used for the common good. It also cited the Freedom of Information Act (FoI), which mandates public officials to disclose requested information within seven days.

“By Section 1(1) of the FoI Act, SERAP is entitled as of right to request or gain access to information, including details of how savings from the removal of fuel subsidy are spent. The Act imposes a legal duty on your state to provide this information,” the letter added.

The rights group argued that failure by state governments to disclose subsidy spending details could further erode public trust, worsen poverty, and heighten social deprivation. “Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of citizens and the public interest,” SERAP said.

It further reminded Governor Sani of the recent Supreme Court judgment which affirmed that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all states of the federation. “The judgment sends a powerful message that state governors can no longer escape accountability for how they spend public funds,” SERAP noted.

The organisation urged the Kaduna State Government to respond within seven days of receiving the letter or face potential legal action. “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your state to comply with our request in the public interest,” it warned.

SERAP’s petition was copied to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, and the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Musa Aliyu, urging both anti-graft agencies to take interest in the management of Kaduna’s share of the fuel subsidy savings.

The group insisted that Nigerians have the right to know how their state governments are managing the post-subsidy windfall. “Transparency and accountability in the use of the N14 trillion savings are essential to ensure that the burden of subsidy removal does not become a double tragedy for poor and vulnerable citizens,” it stated.

SERAP concluded that effective monitoring of the funds would not only reduce corruption but also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic accountability and restore public confidence in governance.