NASS: SERAP demands probe into N3m ‘bribe-for-bill’ allegations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the leadership of the National Assembly take decisive action on recent allegations that federal lawmakers are paying significant bribes to present bills and motions.

Specifically, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) formally urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately refer the matter to the country’s leading anti-graft bodies for a thorough investigation.

The allegations, which have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, were made by a member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa).
It would be recalled that in a widely circulated video recorded in Hausa, Auyo claimed that lawmakers must pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to get the opportunity to present a bill, motion, or petition at the National Assembly.

This practice, he alleged, makes the legislative process financially prohibitive and fundamentally corrupt.

In an open letter dated August 16, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation labelled the alleged practice a “grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office.”

The letter, which was made public, emphasised that bribery should have no place in the exercise of legislative duties, and that such “quid pro quo for lawmaking” seriously undermines the democratic rights of Nigerians.

“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly,” the letter stated.

It further argued that these allegations “make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers” as enshrined in Section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended).

SERAP gave the National Assembly leadership a seven-day ultimatum to act on its demands, threatening legal action to compel compliance if no action is taken.

Beyond simply investigating the claims, SERAP urged the leadership to publicly name anyone found to be involved in the bribery scheme and to ensure the full recovery of any illicit funds.

Crucially, the organisation is calling for the robust protection of the whistleblower, Ibrahim Auyo, highlighting his status under Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, a treaty to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower, who is protected because of his public interest disclosures on alleged bribery to present motions and bills at the National Assembly,” the letter read.

He claimed, “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.”

He further elaborated on the financial burden, stating, “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 expressed concern that there may be similar unreported cases of “bribes for bills” within the Senate as well.

The organisation argued that 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 is a critical step toward improving public trust.

Such a move, SERAP argued, would demonstrate that the National Assembly is a proper and accountable watchdog, capable of holding its members to account for corruption.

The group notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates public institutions, including the National Assembly, to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“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’s letter concluded.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE