SERAP drags Tinubu government to ECOWAS Court over alleged ₦78.8bn cash-transfer scandal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Federal Government at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over alleged financial irregularities involving ₦78.8 billion in cash-transfer funds.

According to PM News, SERAP disclosed the lawsuit in a statement issued Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The suit, numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/42/26, follows findings in the Auditor-General’s 2024 Annual Report, published in August 2026.

The report questioned ₦33.751 billion reportedly transferred to over 3.2 million households across 35 states, alongside ₦36.744 billion in payments allegedly made without prepayment audits.

SERAP is seeking an independent investigation, recovery of misappropriated funds and stronger financial oversight.

“The failure to investigate the ₦78.8 billion cash-transfer scandal, account for the questioned funds and recover any unlawfully spent amounts violates Nigeria’s obligations to protect the human rights of vulnerable households,” SERAP stated.

The organisation also wants the government compelled to provide verifiable payment records and ensure vulnerable Nigerians receive their intended benefits.

No hearing date has been fixed.