The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly's N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers, ruling that the spending violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions and the public trust.
Justice Yellim Bogoro, in a judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, held that the planned N40 billion procurement of 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members breached the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and constitutional obligations.
The suit was filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas on behalf of members of the National Assembly.
The court ruled that the expenditure lacked evidence of due process, describing it as arbitrary and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards.
Justice Bogoro also held that lawmakers were direct beneficiaries of the spending they approved, amounting to self-dealing and a conflict of interest.
The judge noted the economic hardship facing Nigerians and criticised the allocation of public funds for lawmakers' benefit amid widespread poverty and insecurity.
She further rejected arguments that the doctrine of separation of powers shielded the National Assembly from judicial scrutiny, stressing that the courts have a constitutional duty to intervene where legislative actions violate the law.
The court directed the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that future procurements and expenditures comply strictly with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.
SERAP welcomed the judgment, describing it as a major victory for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed that public office should not be used for personal enrichment.
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