BREAKING: COURT RULES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S N110 BILLION SUV, ALLOWANCE SPENDING UNLAWFUL

COURT RULES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S N110 BILLION SUV, ALLOWANCE SPENDING UNLAWFUL

A Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion vehicle procurement and allowance scheme, describing the expenditure as inconsistent with procurement regulations, constitutional provisions, and principles of public accountability.

In a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, the court ruled that the planned expenditure of N40 billion for the purchase of 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members violated statutory procurement requirements and public trust obligations.

The case was instituted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which challenged the spending plans approved by the National Assembly in 2023. SERAP argued that the expenditure was excessive and came at a time when many Nigerians were facing significant economic hardship.

In the judgment, Justice Bogoro held that the scale of the spending, combined with the absence of evidence showing compliance with due process, made the procurement arbitrary and inconsistent with the Public Procurement Act. The court further stated that lawmakers stood to benefit directly from the expenditure they approved, creating concerns over conflict of interest and self-dealing.

The judge emphasized that legislative independence does not exempt public institutions from constitutional and legal scrutiny. According to the court, all public expenditures must comply with established principles of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money.

The court also rejected arguments that the case had become academic because the funds had already been spent, noting that declaratory reliefs can still be granted where important constitutional and legal questions are involved. Justice Bogoro affirmed that SERAP had the legal standing to bring the action as a public-interest organization advocating accountability in governance.

As part of the ruling, the court ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to ensure that all future procurement processes and public expenditures undertaken by the National Assembly strictly comply with due process requirements and uphold transparency and accountability standards.

Reacting to the judgment, SERAP described the decision as a major victory for good governance and responsible management of public resources. The organization urged the leadership of the National Assembly to comply fully with the court's directives and strengthen public confidence in the legislature through transparent financial practices.

Legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, also welcomed the ruling, stating that it reinforces the principle that public office is a public trust and that government spending must serve the interests of citizens.

The judgment is expected to reignite public debate on accountability, legislative spending, and the management of public funds amid ongoing economic challenges facing the country.