A Federal High Court in Lagos has delivered a landmark judgment declaring the National Assembly’s planned N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and allowances unlawful and inconsistent with Nigeria’s procurement and ethical governance laws.
The case, filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), challenged the allocation of N40 billion for 465 luxury and bulletproof vehicles and N70 billion in “support allowances” for lawmakers.
Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the spending violated the Public Procurement Act, breached constitutional standards, and reflected clear conflict of interest since lawmakers were effectively approving benefits for themselves.
The court emphasized that public office is a fiduciary trust and not a platform for self-enrichment, adding that separation of powers cannot be used as a cover for illegality.
Importantly, the judgment reinforced that civil society organisations like SERAP have legal standing to challenge public expenditure in court when it affects public interest.
SERAP described the ruling as a major victory for accountability, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing inflation, unemployment, and rising poverty levels.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also welcomed the judgment, noting that it highlights the disconnect between elite spending and citizens’ economic hardship, and called for stricter enforcement of salary and allowance regulations for lawmakers.
The ruling is expected to intensify public scrutiny of legislative spending and could influence future budget approvals if fully enforced.
