National Assembly N110bn spending illegal, court rules, citing breaches of procurement law, constitution, and public trust over SUVs and allowances

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared the National Assembly’s N110 billion vehicle and allowance expenditure illegal, ruling that the controversial spending violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and the principle of public trust.

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The decision, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, followed a case filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the leadership of the National Assembly.

The court found that the allocation of N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers amounted to arbitrary, disproportionate and unlawful use of public funds, describing the arrangement as inconsistent with statutory procurement standards.

Justice Bogoro held that the National Assembly N110bn spending illegal scheme reflected a clear breach of due process and raised serious concerns about conflict of interest, noting that lawmakers stood to directly benefit from decisions they approved.

“The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it… This constitutes a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest,” the judge stated.

The court further held that public office must not be used for personal enrichment, stressing that fiscal decisions must align with constitutional boundaries, good faith and fiduciary responsibility to citizens.

Justice Bogoro also dismissed arguments that legislative autonomy shielded the National Assembly from judicial scrutiny, ruling that separation of powers cannot be used to justify unlawful expenditure.

“The doctrine of separation of powers does not operate as a shield for illegality,” she said, adding that courts retain jurisdiction to examine the legality of public spending.

The judgment also acknowledged Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship, stating that allocating N110 billion for lawmakers while citizens face financial pressure demonstrated a failure to prioritise national interest.

SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the ruling as a major victory for transparency and accountability, insisting that public funds must always serve the public interest.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also commended the judgment, arguing that the lifestyle choices of public officials must be consistent with the realities faced by citizens.

The court also directed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that future expenditures comply strictly with due process, transparency, and value-for-money principles.

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The ruling is expected to intensify public debate over legislative spending, accountability, and the cost of governance in Nigeria, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges.