Mohamed Garba
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for allegedly failing to disclose details of direct allocations made to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs). The lawsuit, marked FHC/L/MSC/521/2025, was filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking an order to compel the apex bank to reveal whether any direct payments have been made from the Federation Account to local councils.
The lawsuit follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024, which declared that all allocations to LGAs from the Federation Account must be paid directly. However, concerns have grown over the non-compliance of state governors and federal institutions with the court ruling.
SERAP is seeking transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly in the allocation and disbursement of funds to LGAs. The group’s action aims to ensure that the CBN complies with the Supreme Court judgment and provides detailed information on direct payments made to local councils.
The case, which is expected to be heard at the Federal High Court, Lagos, will determine whether the CBN will be compelled to disclose the details of direct allocations made to LGAs. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for transparency and accountability in governance at the local level.
The lawsuit filed by SERAP against the CBN highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, particularly in light of the Supreme Court judgment and the concerns over non-compliance by state governors and federal institutions.
