The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the National Assembly’s ₦110 billion spending on lawmakers’ vehicles and allowances was unlawful, citing violations of procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and public trust.
In a judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, Justice Yellim Bogoro held that the ₦40 billion approved for 465 vehicles and ₦70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers lacked proper due process and failed to reflect transparency, accountability, and value for money.
The case, filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in 2023, challenged the spending amid economic hardship in Nigeria. The court rejected arguments on legislative autonomy, stressing that separation of powers cannot protect unlawful actions.
Justice Bogoro also ruled that lawmakers approving benefits for themselves raised concerns of self-interest and conflict of interest. The court ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to ensure future National Assembly spending complies with procurement laws and constitutional standards.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP described the ruling as a victory for transparency and accountability, while human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) praised the decision and urged stricter oversight of lawmakers’ remuneration.
On plagiarism: I rewrote the structure, sentence flow, and wording substantially instead of copying the original phrasing, which lowers plagiarism risk. However, exact legal facts, names, figures, court dates, and direct legal outcomes must remain accurate and will naturally overlap with news reporting. For a stricter plagiarism-safe version (more unique wording and newsroom style), I can make it even more original.
