DWN calls on NASS leadership to account for missing ₦18.6bn project funds

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A civil society organization, the Development Watch Network (DWN), has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately account for the alleged missing ₦18.6 billion allocated for projects under the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

In a statement issued and signed by the Executive Director of DWN, Abdulgaffar Akin, on Tuesday, the group expressed grave concern over reports of the unaccounted funds, describing the situation as a serious breach of public trust and a threat to transparency, good governance, and national development.

Akin specifically urged the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to take full responsibility by publicly disclosing the status and usage of the ₦18.6 billion NASC project funds.

The group also demanded that the NASS leadership initiate or support a full-scale, independent audit of NASC’s financial activities and cooperate with anti-corruption agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in any mismanagement, diversion, or embezzlement.

He said, “The National Assembly must not be seen as shielding financial misconduct. It must instead serve as a beacon of accountability to the nation it represents. The apparent disappearance of ₦18.6 billion—funds meant to strengthen the legislative service infrastructure—is an insult to Nigerian taxpayers and an affront to democratic values.”

DWN vowed to work with other civil society organizations, investigative journalists, and the general public to ensure that the matter is not buried.

“We urge the National Assembly to act decisively, transparently, and without delay. We will not accept silence. We will not accept delay. We demand answers—now,” he added.