The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and support allowances for lawmakers.

Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the judgment on May 6, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

The court held that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and principal officers, alongside N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members, violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions and principles of accountability in the management of public funds.

Justice Bogoro ruled that the beneficiaries of the expenditure were the same officials who approved it, describing the arrangement as a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest. She further stated that the allocation failed to prioritize national interest amid the country’s economic challenges.

The judge also dismissed arguments that the court lacked jurisdiction because of legislative autonomy, holding that the doctrine of separation of powers does not shield unlawful conduct from judicial scrutiny.

The court subsequently directed Akpabio and Abbas to ensure that future procurements and expenditures by the National Assembly strictly comply with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money requirements.

SERAP, which instituted the suit in 2023, argued that the planned expenditure breached provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and the Oath of Office contained in the 1999 Constitution.