SERAP DRAGS FG TO ECOWAS COURT OVER N78.8BN CASH TRANSFER SCANDAL

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government over alleged irregularities involving more than ₦78.8 billion meant for cash-transfer and social protection programmes.

SERAP is asking the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to compel the government to explain how the questioned funds were managed and establish whether support reached the intended beneficiaries.

The organisation said its case draws on findings in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report, published on August 7, 2026.

The allegations concern the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Cash Transfer Office and the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office.

According to SERAP, the audit questioned approximately ₦33.751 billion reportedly transferred to more than 3.2 million households across 35 states in 2023 because of inadequate payment and beneficiary verification records.

It also cited ₦36.744 billion allegedly paid without prepayment audits and ₦4.616 billion in unsupported expenditure, alongside other questioned payments.

In the suit, numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/42/26, SERAP seeks a comprehensive account supported by payment records, beneficiary information and financial reconciliation documents.

It also wants an independent investigation, recovery of any funds established to have been improperly spent or diverted, and action against anyone found responsible through due process.

SERAP argues that failures in managing social protection funds could undermine the rights of vulnerable Nigerians who depend on government assistance.

The allegations have not been determined by the court. The account provided did not include a government response or a hearing date.