By Peter Effiom
The National Assembly’s contentious N110 billion vehicle and allowance schemes have been ruled illegal by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The court found that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust.
Justice Yellim Bogoro rendered the decision on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, which the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) filed against the National Assembly in August 2023.
Additionally, the court mandated that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, make sure that any future purchases or expenditures of public funds by the National Assembly adhere strictly to due process requirements and are also guided by the values of accountability, transparency, and value for money.
According to Justice Bogoro, the procurement was arbitrary, disproportionate, and in violation of statutory procurement norms because of the size of the spending and the lack of verifiable due process.
Regarding whether SERAP has locus standi to file this lawsuit, the judge said that since public interest litigation is now recognized by the law, SERAP may file a lawsuit to defend the public interest.
As a public interest organization dedicated to accountability and transparency, SERAP has shown adequate interest based on the deposed facts and the nature of the lawsuit.
Regarding jurisdictional challenges, the court emphasized that courts can step in when constitutional violations take place, ruling that the notion of separation of powers or legislative autonomy does not serve as a shield for illegality. The legality and constitutionality of parliamentary spending are issues that the court considers.
The court issued a stern warning, stating that “The allocation of N110 billion for the benefit of lawmakers also undermines the fiduciary duty owed to the Nigerian people. Public office must not be used for personal enrichment. Public officers must act within constitutional boundaries and in good faith. I hold that the conduct complained of is inconsistent with the oath of office.”
The Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct regulations, and the terms of the constitutional oath were all violated by the car procurement and allowances, the court said, and it mandated that future expenditures strictly adhere to due process.
She called on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to follow its constitutional role regarding the remuneration of legislators.
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