The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has begun analysing documents submitted by the Rivers State Government detailing how over ₦302 billion was spent within a six-month period in 2025, following a Freedom of Information lawsuit before the High Court in Port Harcourt.
The disclosures were made by the Rivers State Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in response to the suit marked PHC/4153/CS/2025, currently before Justice S.H. Aprioku.
The case stems from SERAP’s demand for transparency over financial activities during the emergency administration led by former sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas between March and August 2025.
In a counter-affidavit dated March 10, 2026, the state government disclosed that Rivers received over ₦253.48 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) within the period under review.
Supporting documents attached as exhibits—including bank statements and capital expenditure records—indicate that total inflows, including FAAC and other receipts, stood at approximately ₦298.35 billion.
However, total expenditures recorded within the same timeframe exceeded ₦302.35 billion, suggesting spending beyond the total inflows.
According to the affidavit, ₦28 billion was approved for the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems at the Government House, but no funds were eventually spent on the project.
The government maintained that it does not dispute SERAP’s right to access public information under the Freedom of Information Act and has complied by providing the requested documents.
It added that any delay in furnishing the documents did not result in proven harm to SERAP.
Reacting to the disclosures, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said the organisation is carefully reviewing the voluminous records.
He noted that the group is analysing expenditures on a project-by-project basis to determine whether full compliance has been achieved or if further legal steps are required.
Preliminary findings show that over ₦112.41 billion was spent on salaries, pensions, and overhead costs during the six-month period.
Additionally, ₦163.44 billion was allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), with over ₦106 billion disbursed in August alone—indicating a sharp spike in spending within a single month.
The documents also reveal repeated transfers to Government House, ranging from ₦1.8 million to as high as ₦4.27 billion.
Several transactions—including ₦61.9 million, ₦122 million, ₦170 million, ₦389 million, ₦750 million, ₦850 million, and multiple ₦900 million payments—were recorded during the review period.
A notable single transfer of ₦4.27 billion was made in August, further highlighting the concentration of large expenditures in that month.
The records also show that over ₦26 billion was spent on loan servicing, alongside about ₦491.59 million incurred as bank charges.
In terms of capital projects, over ₦2.5 billion was released for Government House quarters, though only about ₦1.1 billion was reflected as actual spending.
Similarly, office building repairs had a revised allocation of ₦2.67 billion, but only about ₦404 million was reportedly spent.
Other expenditures include ₦350 million earmarked for canteen and kitchen equipment, although actual disbursement remains unclear from the records.
Rehabilitation projects accounted for over ₦463 million, while one project initially budgeted at ₦800 million was later increased to ₦1.56 billion.
The closing balance in the state’s account as of August 2025 stood at approximately ₦19.93 billion.
SERAP’s suit seeks a judicial determination on whether it is entitled, under constitutional and statutory provisions, to access the requested financial records.
The matter has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, for further hearing at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.
