LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and support allowances for federal lawmakers, ruling that the spending breached procurement regulations and constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
Okay News reports that Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The case challenged plans approved in 2023 for the purchase of 465 vehicles for lawmakers and the payment of support allowances to newly elected members of the National Assembly.
According to the court, the allocation of N40 billion for vehicles and N70 billion for allowances amounted to self-dealing because the beneficiaries were also responsible for approving the expenditure. The judge held that the spending was arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with established procurement standards.
The court further noted that the expenditure failed to reflect national priorities at a time when many Nigerians were facing severe economic hardship. Justice Bogoro stated that legislative independence could not be used as a shield against unlawful actions, stressing that courts retain the authority to examine the legality and constitutionality of public spending.
The judgment also found that the National Assembly failed to provide evidence showing compliance with procurement procedures, competitive bidding requirements or value-for-money assessments. The court ruled that the allegations raised by SERAP remained largely unchallenged.
Justice Bogoro affirmed SERAP’s right to institute the action as a public interest case and held that the matter remained valid despite the funds already having been spent. The court subsequently ordered the National Assembly to ensure that future procurement and expenditure decisions comply strictly with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.
Reacting to the ruling, SERAP described the decision as a major victory for accountability and responsible management of public resources. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also welcomed the judgment, saying it reinforces the principle that public funds must be used in the public interest rather than for excessive benefits to public officials.
