The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the N110 billion vehicle procurement and allowance scheme approved for members of the National Assembly, ruling that the expenditure violated constitutional provisions, the Public Procurement Act and principles of transparency and accountability in public spending.
The judgment followed a suit challenging the spending on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and the payment of support allowances to newly elected members of the National Assembly. The court held that the process through which the funds were approved failed to meet the standards required for prudent management of public resources.
According to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which instituted the suit, the expenditure consisted of N40 billion for the purchase of vehicles and N70 billion for support allowances for lawmakers. The organisation argued that the spending was insensitive to the economic hardship facing many Nigerians and did not comply with due process requirements.
Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the expenditure was arbitrary and inconsistent with established principles of public accountability. The judge observed that the beneficiaries of the spending were also responsible for approving it, creating a situation that amounted to self-dealing and conflict of interest.
The court further held that legislative autonomy does not grant immunity from compliance with procurement laws and constitutional provisions. It stressed that all public institutions, including the legislature, must adhere to standards of transparency, accountability and value for money in the use of public funds.
Justice Bogoro directed the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure that future expenditures comply strictly with legal requirements and established procurement procedures.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP described the decision as a victory for transparency and responsible governance. The organisation noted that the ruling reinforces the principle that public resources must be managed in a manner that reflects the interests of citizens rather than those of public office holders.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, also welcomed the judgment and called for immediate compliance. He urged relevant government agencies to ensure that constitutional provisions regulating salaries, allowances and benefits of public officials are strictly enforced.
The ruling has reignited discussions on the high cost of governance in Nigeria, particularly at a time when citizens continue to grapple with rising inflation, insecurity and economic challenges. Analysts say the decision could influence future budgetary and spending practices across government institutions.
