The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken the leadership of the National Assembly to court over the alleged fixing of "running costs" for lawmakers. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas are named in the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 27, 2024.

SERAP is seeking a court order to stop the National Assembly from fixing its own remuneration and allowances, which it describes as "unlawful." The organization also wants the exact amount of monthly running costs paid to lawmakers and details of how these funds are spent to be disclosed.

The suit argues that the National Assembly's actions violate the country's international obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption and the Nigerian Constitution. SERAP claims that lawmakers' fixing of their own salaries, allowances, and running costs is a "travesty" and a breach of their fiduciary duties.

The organization also cites Federal Government Financial Regulations, which prohibit paying public money into private bank accounts. SERAP notes that lawmakers commit to upholding the Constitution and performing their functions honestly and faithfully.

No date has been set for the hearing of the suit.