Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to publish his asset declaration form as he marks his first year in office.

SERAP also urged the President to encourage Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and state governors to do the same.

In a statement released on May 25, 2024, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. “Widely publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging others to do so would promote public trust and establish a system of transparency, accountability, and public participation,” the statement read.

SERAP highlighted that openness and transparency in the details of asset declaration forms of high-level public officials would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote accountability at all levels of government. The organization also urged President Tinubu to propose a constitutional amendment to create a database for asset declarations to be published before, during, and after serving in public office.

According to SERAP, asset declaration forms are a matter of public interest and their publication would allow Nigerians to scrutinize the financial situation of public officials and identify possible conflicts of interest and corruption. The organization stressed that transparency and openness would increase public confidence in the integrity of high-ranking public officials and government generally.

The call for asset declaration publication aligns with Nigeria’s Constitution and international anticorruption and human rights obligations.

Public officers are required to declare their assets, and the disclosure of such information is vital in promoting transparency, accountability, and combating corruption in the public service.