The Social and Economic Rights Advocacy Project (SERAP) has taken the Federal Government of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, alleging that the government has failed to account for N78.8 billion earmarked for a cash‑transfer and social‑protection programme.
According to SERAP, the unaccounted funds were intended to support vulnerable households through direct cash payments and other social safety‑net measures, but the agency says there has been no transparent reporting on how the money was spent or allocated.
In its filing, SERAP claims the lack of accountability breaches the rights of Nigerians who were meant to benefit from the programme and seeks a judicial order compelling the government to disclose the use of the funds.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice, based in Abuja, adjudicates disputes involving member states of the Economic Community of West African States, including cases related to human rights and state obligations.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced criticism in recent years over the management of social‑protection initiatives, and SERAP’s legal action adds to growing calls for greater fiscal transparency and oversight of public welfare programmes.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>