The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has told the federal government to address Nigerians’ stagnant security and welfare situation despite the surge in allocations to states following the 2023 petrol subsidy removal.

SERAP stated this in a letter urging President Bola Tinubu to direct Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to withhold federal allocations from states that have failed and refused to conduct credible local government elections.

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The organisation demanded the government ensure allocations are paid only to democratically elected local government councils.

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“Trillions of FAAC allocations received by Nigeria’s 36 states have allegedly gone down the drain,” part of SERAP’s letter read.“Despite the increased allocation from FAAC, millions of residents in several states continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.“The reported removal of petrol subsidy and the flotation of the naira by the Federal Government has translated into increased FAAC allocations to states and the FCT. However, there is no corresponding improvement in the security and welfare of millions of Nigerians.

“State governors have no power to keep, control, manage or disburse in any manner allocations from the Federation Account to local government councils.”
The post ‘Despite Allocation Increase After Subsidy Cut, Welfare of Nigerians Remains Stagnant’, SERAP to FG appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.