A Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion spending on SUVs and lawmakers’ allowances unlawful, ruling that the expenditure violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and public trust obligations.
Justice Yellim Bogoro, who delivered the judgment in a suit filed by SERAP, held that the allocation of N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for lawmakers lacked due process and failed to meet standards of transparency and accountability.
The court further ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that all future procurements and public spending by the National Assembly strictly comply with due process and value-for-money principles.
In the ruling, Justice Bogoro criticised the spending, stating that the lawmakers who approved the funds were also the direct beneficiaries.
“Public office must not be used for personal enrichment,” the judge declared.
The court also noted Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship, describing the N110 billion allocation as a failure to prioritise the interests of ordinary citizens.
Justice Bogoro added that legislative autonomy cannot be used as a shield against illegality, stressing that courts have the authority to examine the legality and constitutionality of public spending.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP described the ruling as a major victory for transparency and accountability, while human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) said lawmakers’ lavish spending amid widespread hardship could not be justified.
The judgment marks one of the strongest judicial rebukes of legislative spending in recent years and reinforces calls for greater accountability in the management of public funds.
Source: Federal High Court / SERAP.
