The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers, ruling that the spending violated procurement regulations, constitutional provisions and principles of public accountability.
Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the National Assembly leadership.
The court specifically faulted the planned expenditure of N40 billion for the procurement of 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members of the National Assembly.
In the judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, the court held that the spending lacked evidence of due process and failed to meet statutory procurement requirements.
“Looking at the magnitude of the expenditure, coupled with the absence of demonstrable due process, leads me to conclude that the procurement is arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards,” Justice Bogoro ruled.
The judge further held that the lawmakers who approved the expenditure were also direct beneficiaries, describing the arrangement as a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest.
“The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it, and the expenditure confers direct pecuniary and material benefits. This constitutes a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest,” she stated.
Justice Bogoro also cited the prevailing economic hardship in the country, noting that allocating N110 billion for lawmakers’ benefits demonstrated a failure to prioritise national interests.
“The allocation of N110 billion for the benefit of lawmakers undermines the fiduciary duty owed to the Nigerian people. Public office must not be used for personal enrichment,” the court held.
The court rejected arguments by the defendants that the matter was protected by legislative autonomy, stressing that the doctrine of separation of powers cannot be used to shield unlawful conduct from judicial scrutiny.
According to the court, the expenditure breached provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and the constitutional oath of office.
Justice Bogoro consequently ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that all future procurement and expenditure by the National Assembly strictly comply with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.
The suit was instituted by SERAP in August 2023 after reports emerged that the National Assembly planned to spend N40 billion on 465 vehicles and N70 billion in allowances for newly elected lawmakers despite widespread economic challenges facing Nigerians.
The court also affirmed SERAP’s legal standing to bring the action, holding that public interest organisations have the right to institute cases aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare described the ruling as a major victory for accountability and prudent management of public resources.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also commended the decision, saying the lavish spending by lawmakers amid economic hardship could not be justified.
The judgment is expected to reignite public debate over the cost of governance and welfare packages for elected officials in Nigeria.
