By Bimbo Aderenle
A Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion spending spree on luxury vehicles and lawmakers’ allowances unlawful, delivering a stinging rebuke to federal lawmakers amid Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.
Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the allocation of N40 billion for the purchase of 465 vehicles for senators and members of the House of Representatives, alongside N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers, violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and the public trust.
The court further ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that all future National Assembly spending strictly complies with due process, transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.
The landmark judgment was delivered on May 6, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the National Assembly leadership.
In a scathing verdict, Justice Bogoro held that the vehicle procurement exercise was “arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards,” noting that lawmakers approved spending from which they directly benefited.
“The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it,” the judge ruled, describing the arrangement as “self-dealing and conflict of interest.”
She added that the court could not ignore the harsh economic realities facing millions of Nigerians.
“In this context, the allocation of N110 billion for the benefit of lawmakers demonstrates a failure to prioritise national interest,” Justice Bogoro stated.
The judge also rejected arguments that the courts lacked jurisdiction because of legislative independence, stressing that the doctrine of separation of powers cannot be used as a shield for illegality.
According to the judgment, the spending breached provisions of the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and constitutional oath requirements.
SERAP had approached the court in August 2023 after lawmakers approved plans to spend N40 billion on 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support packages despite mounting economic challenges across the country.
Reacting to the verdict, SERAP described the judgment as a major victory for transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public funds.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also welcomed the ruling, saying the extravagant lifestyle of lawmakers at a time of widespread hardship could not be justified.
The court ultimately declared the SUV procurement and allowance scheme unlawful and directed National Assembly leaders to ensure strict compliance with due process in all future expenditure of public funds.
