A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled in favour of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), declaring unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion vehicle and allowance scheme and ordering lawmakers to comply with due process in future spending of public funds.
In the landmark judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro on May 6, 2026, the court held that the planned expenditure of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for members of the National Assembly and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers breached procurement laws, constitutional obligations and the public trust.
SERAP had filed the suit in August 2023 against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas after lawmakers approved the controversial spending package amid widespread economic hardship across the country.
Justice Bogoro ruled that the scale of the expenditure, combined with the absence of evidence showing compliance with procurement procedures, made the spending arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards.
The court further held that the beneficiaries of the expenditure were the same officials responsible for approving it, creating a conflict of interest.
“The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it, and the expenditure confers direct pecuniary and material benefits,” the judge stated, describing the arrangement as self-dealing and a breach of public trust.
Justice Bogoro also noted the difficult economic conditions facing Nigerians, saying the allocation of N110 billion for lawmakers’ benefit demonstrated a failure to prioritise the national interest.
Rejecting arguments that the matter fell within the exclusive powers of the legislature, the court held that legislative autonomy could not be used as a shield against illegality.
According to the judgment, the defendants failed to provide credible evidence of compliance with procurement procedures, competitive bidding requirements or value-for-money assessments as required under the Public Procurement Act.
The court also found that the spending violated the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and was inconsistent with the oath of office sworn by members of the National Assembly.
On the issue of SERAP’s legal standing, Justice Bogoro affirmed that public interest organisations have the right to institute actions aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The judge also dismissed claims that the case had become academic because the funds had already been spent, holding that declaratory reliefs could still be granted where significant constitutional and legal questions remained unresolved.
As part of the ruling, the court directed Mr Akpabio, Mr Abbas and members of both chambers of the National Assembly to ensure that all future procurements and expenditures of public funds strictly comply with due process requirements and the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare described the decision as a major victory for transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
He urged the National Assembly to immediately comply with the judgment, arguing that adherence to the ruling would strengthen public confidence in governance and the rule of law.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also welcomed the judgment, saying it reaffirmed that public office should not be used to justify extravagant spending while millions of Nigerians face poverty and economic hardship.
The ruling is expected to intensify calls for greater scrutiny of public spending and reinforce demands for accountability in the management of public resources.
