The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately refer to anti-graft agencies the allegations that lawmakers pay as much as N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly. SERAP insisted that the matter be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where necessary.
The group also appealed to both presiding officers of the National Assembly to disclose the identities of anyone linked to the bribery scandal and ensure that all proceeds of corruption are duly recovered.
In addition, SERAP demanded protection for whistleblower Ibrahim Auyo, a House of Representatives member from Jigawa (APC), who first raised the alarm about “bribes for bills, motions, and petitions.”
Chronicles Reporters had earlier reported that Auyo, in a viral Hausa video, revealed that lawmakers allegedly part with between N1 million and N3 million before their bills, motions, or petitions can be entertained.
The revelations were contained in SERAP’s open letter dated August 16, 2025, and signed by the deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The organisation described the allegations as a fundamental breach of public trust and a direct violation of the oath of office taken by lawmakers.
“Legislators should not be subjected to bribery before presenting bills or motions. The introduction of monetary influence into lawmaking undermines the entire legislative process. These allegations of a ‘cash-for-bills’ arrangement have gravely eroded citizens’ democratic rights,” SERAP stated.
The organisation further stressed that such practices ridiculed the constitutional powers of the legislature as provided under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
SERAP added: “We expect that these steps will be taken within seven days of receipt or publication of this letter. Should you fail to act, we will consider taking appropriate legal measures to compel compliance in the interest of Nigerians.”
It maintained that referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would reassure citizens that the National Assembly leadership is serious about accountability and transparency.
The statement noted: “By taking decisive action, the leadership can prove to Nigerians that the legislature remains an institution of integrity, capable of policing itself against corruption and bribery while safeguarding the public interest.”
Auyo had earlier lamented that the cost of presenting motions and bills in the National Assembly is financially overwhelming. He claimed that since he became a lawmaker in 2015, no citizen had approached him with a bill to sponsor because of the prohibitive financial demands.
He further alleged that even petitions brought before the parliament attract payments. “To present any bill, one has to pay between N1 million and N3 million. And after presenting, there is still the burden of lobbying all 360 members of the House before it can be accepted,” Auyo said.
SERAP expressed concern that similar cases of “bribes for bills” could also be happening within the Senate, calling for urgent intervention to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
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