Court Voids N110bn NASS Vehicle, Allowance Spend as Unlawful

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that a Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the National Assembly’s N110 billion spending on vehicles and support allowances for lawmakers unlawful, ruling that the expenditure breached procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and transparency standards.

In a judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, Justice Yellim Bogoro held that the allocation of N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for new lawmakers violated the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and the lawmakers’ oath of office.

The court described the spending as arbitrary, disproportionate, and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards. It noted that the lawmakers who approved the funds were also its beneficiaries, amounting to self-dealing and a conflict of interest.

“The arrangement provided direct financial and material benefits to the same officials responsible for authorising it,” Justice Bogoro said. He added that the allocation failed to reflect national priorities amid severe economic hardship.

The suit, FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, was filed in August 2023 by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Justice Bogoro rejected the defendants’ argument that the court lacked jurisdiction due to legislative autonomy. “The doctrine of separation of powers cannot be used to shield unlawful conduct,” he said. “The court’s concern is the legality and constitutionality of legislative spending.”

The court found that the National Assembly provided no evidence of compliance with procurement procedures, competitive bidding, or value-for-money assessments.

It affirmed SERAP’s legal standing, noting that public interest litigation allows NGOs to seek judicial intervention in matters affecting the public good. The judge held that the case was not academic despite the funds already being spent, stating that courts can still grant declaratory reliefs after a challenged action is completed.

The court declared both the N40 billion vehicle procurement and the N70 billion allowance scheme unconstitutional and unlawful. It directed the National Assembly to ensure all future procurement and expenditure comply with due process, transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.

SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare called the ruling “a significant victory for transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources.” He urged the NASS leadership to comply to strengthen the rule of law and public confidence.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana said the judgment reinforced that public funds must be used in the public interest. He called on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to exercise its authority over lawmakers’ salaries and allowances, and urged the National Assembly to obey the decision.

“Reducing wasteful public spending would free up resources for critical sectors, including security, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and social welfare programmes,” Falana said.