SERAP Seeks Investigation Over Claims of N3 Million Bribe-for-Bills in Parliament

The leadership of the National Assembly has been urged by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to look into claims that MPs pay up to ₦3 million to deliver motions, bills, and petitions immediately.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP encouraged Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to “refer the allegations to anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.”
Additionally, the group urged parliamentarians to “publicly name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and ensure the recovery of any proceeds of the crime.”
Ibrahim Auro, a representative for Jigawa (APC) in the House of Representatives, was the one who initially sounded the alert, and SERAP further called for his security.

Kolawole Oluwadare, the deputy director of SERAP, signed the open letter dated August 16, 2025, which stated: “The claims that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills, and proposals at the National Assembly are a serious breach of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”

Lawmakers shouldn’t be required to pay bribes in order to introduce laws and motions at the National Assembly, according to SERAP. The National Assembly’s operations and the performance of legislative tasks should never be impacted by bribery. These claims of quid pro quo for legislation have severely weakened the democratic rights of Nigerians.

The accusations that lawmakers are offering bribes of up to N3 million in exchange for submitting motions and bills, according to SERAP, “make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

Part of the open letter stated: “We would appreciate it if the suggested actions were carried out within seven days of this letter’s publication or receipt. SERAP will take appropriate legal measures to force you and the National Assembly to abide by our requests in the public interest if we don’t hear back from you before then.

“These claims have revealed the misuse of elected officials’ positions to deny Nigerians their democratic rights.”

“The public would have more faith in the National Assembly’s leadership’s ability to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions if the allegations were referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution.”

“By demonstrating strong and effective leadership in this matter, the National Assembly leadership can demonstrate to Nigerians that the legislative body is a legitimate and responsible watchdog that represents and safeguards the public interest and can hold itself accountable in cases of corruption, including bribery.”

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According to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state member, the accusations also constitute grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution, the nation’s anticorruption laws, and its international commitments.

According to article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party, Ibrahim Auyo is protected as a whistleblower. Ibrahim Auyo’s public allegations regarding alleged bribes to introduce motions and proposals at the National Assembly have made him a whistleblower.

“SERAP is concerned about the ongoing accusations of corruption in the National Assembly and the criminal justice system’s culture of impunity.”

“Prosecution of suspected offenders and the investigation of claims that lawmakers spend between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions would enhance accountability and transparency in the National Assembly and foster confidence in democratic institutions.”

“SERAP observes that the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 15(5) mandates that all corrupt activities and abuses of power be eradicated by public institutions, including the National Assembly.”

Additionally, Nigeria has vowed to prevent and fight corruption, including bribery, in accordance with the UN Convention against Corruption. These pledges should be properly honored and adhered to.

Abraham Auyo had claimed that the National Assembly’s motion and bill-presenting procedure is too costly. He claims that no one has presented him with a measure to pass since he was elected as a member in 2015. Furthermore, the petitions and laws are also funded.

“You must pay N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it,” Abraham Auyo added. Additionally, after presenting the measure, you need to lobby all 360 members of the House to support it. The possibility of similar unreported claims of “bribes for bills” in the Senate worries SERAP.