The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for allegedly failing to provide a full account of the N18.6 billion allocated for the construction of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) office complex.

Both leaders are being sued in their capacities as representatives of all members of the National Assembly, while the NASC is listed as a co-respondent.

The legal action follows serious allegations highlighted in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 annual report, released on 9 September 2025.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2457/2025, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing Akpabio, Abbas, and the NASC to explain the whereabouts of the N18.6 billion earmarked for the office complex project.

SERAP is also seeking a court order compelling the respondents to disclose the identity of the alleged “fictitious construction company” said to have received the funds.

Additionally, the organisation is requesting the release of all relevant project documents, including assessment reports, bid advertisements, bid submissions, contract agreements, tender board minutes, and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the project.

According to SERAP, the alleged diversion or misappropriation of the N18.6 billion violates public trust, the 1999 Constitution, and international anti-corruption standards.

The group argued that Nigerians are entitled to know how the funds were used and who benefitted from the payments, adding that granting its requests would promote accountability, rebuild trust in public institutions, and reinforce the rule of law.

The suit, filed by SERAP’s legal team—Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo—emphasises that the National Assembly must uphold the principles of transparency and accountability as required by the Constitution.

A hearing date for the case has not yet been scheduled.