A storm of controversy has hit the National Assembly following explosive allegations that lawmakers pay between ?1 million and ?3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions at plenary sessions.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has fired off an urgent open letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, demanding that the allegations be referred immediately to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for full-scale investigation and prosecution.

The scandal was triggered by Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa), who, in a viral video recorded in Hausa, alleged that the legislative process has been effectively hijacked by a bribery racket.

According to him, “You have to pay from ?3 million, ?2 million, or ?1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”

SERAP, in its letter dated 16 August 2025 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the allegations as “a grave violation of public trust and a mockery of legislative powers under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution.”

The group has also urged Akpabio and Abbas to publicly name any lawmakers involved in the bribery scheme and to ensure the recovery of any proceeds of corruption.

“Bribery should never influence the exercise of legislative duties. These allegations of quid pro quo lawmaking have seriously undermined Nigerians’ democratic rights,” the organisation declared.

SERAP further called for the protection of Ibrahim Auyo, describing him as a whistleblower shielded by Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party.

“The allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians their democratic rights,” SERAP said.

“Ensuring a credible investigation would not only improve transparency in the National Assembly but also restore public trust in democratic institutions.”

The organisation has given the National Assembly leadership seven days to act or face legal action compelling them to refer the matter to anti-corruption agencies.

“Nigeria has made binding commitments under the UN Convention Against Corruption. These must be respected. The National Assembly cannot continue to operate under a culture of impunity,” SERAP warned.