The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently investigate allegations that lawmakers pay as much as ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP urged Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to “refer the allegations to anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.”
The group also pressed the leaders of the parliament to “publicly name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and ensure the recovery of any proceeds of the crime.”
SERAP further demanded protection for Ibrahim Auro, a member of the House of Representatives representing Jigawa (APC), who first raised the alarm.
In the open letter dated 16 August 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”
SERAP said, “Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly. These allegations of quid pro quo for lawmaking have seriously undermined Nigerians’ democratic rights.”
According to SERAP, “The allegations that lawmakers are paying up to N3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
The open letter, read in part, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“These allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians of their democratic rights.”
“Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions.”
“By exercising strong and effective leadership in this matter, the National Assembly leadership can show Nigerians that the legislative body is a proper and accountable watchdog that represents and protects the public interest, and is able to hold itself to account in cases of corruption including bribery.”
“The allegations also amount to fundamental breaches of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s anticorruption legislation and international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged bribery to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.”
“SERAP is concerned about the persistent allegations of corruption in the National Assembly and the prevailing culture of impunity of perpetrators.”
“Ensuring the investigation of allegations that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly, and build trust in democratic institutions.”
“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions including the National Assembly to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”
“Ibrahim Auyo had alleged that the process of presenting motions and bills at the National Assembly is financially prohibitive. According to him, ‘Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.’”
“Ibrahim Auyo, also said, ‘You have to pay from N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.’” SERAP is concerned that there may be similar unreported allegations of ‘bribes for bills’ in the Senate.”
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