The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET), over their alleged failure to account for about ₦128 billion in public funds said to be missing or diverted within the power sector.
The suit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/143/2026, is based on allegations contained in the latest report of the Auditor-General of the Federation released in September 2025. SERAP said the findings point to serious financial irregularities in the Ministry of Power and NBET, which it believes have worsened Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling the minister and NBET to give a full account of how the alleged funds were spent, including details of payments, beneficiaries, contractors, and the public officials who approved or authorized the transactions. The organisation insists that Nigerians have a right to know how public money meant for electricity development was managed.
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report flagged several questionable expenditures, including billions allegedly paid for projects with no evidence of execution, unauthorised foreign travel expenses, undocumented contract awards, and transfers into unauthorised accounts. Similar concerns were raised over NBET’s payments for vehicles, consultancy services, training programmes, and other expenses allegedly made without due process or proper approvals.
SERAP linked the alleged mismanagement to recurring power failures, including the recent national grid collapse, noting that ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer unreliable electricity supply while paying high tariffs. The organisation argued that granting its requests would promote accountability, curb corruption in the power sector, and help improve access to stable electricity nationwide. No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.