The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to promptly reduce the National Assembly budget of N344.85 billion.
SERAP is advocating for an adjustment that aligns with the current economic challenges facing the country.
In a letter dated January 13, 2024, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the leaders to request President Bola Tinubu to present a revised supplementary appropriation bill. This bill should reflect the reduced National Assembly budget for the approval of the National Assembly.
SERAP also called for the immediate publication of details regarding the National Assembly budget, including the proposed spending details for the Senate and House of Representatives car parks.
The organization emphasized that passing appropriation bills inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution constitutes a fundamental breach of the lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office.
The arbitrary increase in the National Assembly budget, if not curtailed, could have significant fiscal consequences and exacerbate the country’s debt crisis, according to SERAP.
The letter highlighted that the unilateral and self-serving increase by the lawmakers violates the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, as well as the notion of the rule of law.
SERAP urged transparency and accountability in public administration, stating that transparency in the spending of the National Assembly budget would allow the public to hold lawmakers accountable and protect Nigerians from potential abuses of legislative power.
The organization stressed that cutting the N344.48 billion National Assembly budget would be consistent with the lawmakers’ constitutional oath of office and the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution. If the recommended measures are not taken within seven days, SERAP has expressed its intention to take legal actions to ensure compliance in the public interest.
