The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the National Assembly’s N110bn expenditure plan for vehicles and allowances for lawmakers unlawful, ruling that it violated procurement regulations, constitutional provisions, and principles of public accountability.
Delivering judgment on May 6, 2026, Justice Yellim Bogoro held that the proposed spending — including N40bn for the purchase of 465 vehicles for federal lawmakers and N70bn in support allowances for newly elected members — failed to comply with the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and constitutional standards governing public expenditure.
The case, filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, challenged the legality of the planned spending, arguing that it amounted to misuse of public funds.
In the judgment, the court found that the scale of the expenditure, combined with the absence of evidence showing compliance with due procurement process, rendered it unlawful. Justice Bogoro described the arrangement as arbitrary and inconsistent with statutory procurement requirements.
The court also noted that lawmakers stood to benefit directly from the spending they approved, describing the arrangement as a conflict of interest and self-dealing.
Justice Bogoro further held that public office must not be used for personal enrichment, stressing that public funds must be managed in accordance with constitutional duties and in the public interest. The court said the economic realities in the country made the expenditure particularly concerning, given widespread hardship.
Rejecting the defendants’ argument that the doctrine of separation of powers prevented judicial intervention, the court ruled that legislative actions remain subject to constitutional and legal scrutiny.
On the issue of standing, the court affirmed SERAP’s right to bring the case, recognising the role of public interest litigation in enforcing accountability. It also dismissed objections relating to pre-action notice, citing the urgency and public importance of the matter.
The court found that the defendants failed to provide evidence of competitive bidding, value-for-money assessment, or adherence to procurement procedures, and held that the allegations were effectively unchallenged.
Consequently, the court ruled that the N110bn expenditure plan violated the Public Procurement Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. It issued orders directing the National Assembly to ensure that all future spending complies with due process, transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.
Following the judgment, SERAP described the ruling as a major victory for accountability and proper management of public resources. It urged immediate compliance with the court’s decision, stating that public funds must be used strictly in the public interest.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also welcomed the judgment, saying it highlighted the need for greater fiscal responsibility and alignment of public spending with the realities facing citizens.
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