Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110 Billion Vehicle and Allowance Scheme Unlawful

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the National Assembly’s controversial ₦110 billion vehicle and allowance scheme was unlawful, declaring that the expenditure violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and the principles of accountability in public service. 

The judgment followed a suit filed by SERAP challenging the spending on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers. 

Justice Yellim Bogoro, who delivered the judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, held that the spending of ₦40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and ₦70 billion in support allowances for newly elected legislators failed to comply with procurement laws and constitutional standards. 

The case was filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which challenged the legality of the expenditure amid widespread economic hardship across the country. 

In the judgment, the court ruled that the scale of the expenditure, coupled with the lack of evidence showing due process, rendered the procurement arbitrary and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards. 

Justice Bogoro further noted that the lawmakers who approved the spending were also direct beneficiaries of the expenditure, describing the situation as a conflict of interest and a form of self-dealing. 

The court observed that allocating ₦110 billion for lawmakers’ benefits during a period of economic hardship demonstrated a failure to prioritize national interest and undermined the fiduciary responsibility public officials owe to citizens. 

Rejecting arguments based on legislative autonomy, the court emphasized that the doctrine of separation of powers cannot be used as a shield for actions that violate the law or constitutional provisions. 

As part of the ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were directed to ensure that all future National Assembly expenditures strictly comply with due process requirements and are guided by transparency, accountability, and value for money. 

The court also affirmed the right of public interest organizations to challenge government actions, ruling that SERAP had sufficient legal standing to bring the case before the court. Reacting to the judgment, SERAP described the decision as a major victory for transparency and responsible management of public resources. 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also welcomed the ruling, stating that lawmakers’ extravagant spending during periods of economic hardship could not be justified. 

The judgment is expected to have significant implications for public procurement practices and future spending decisions within the National Assembly.