The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the National Assembly’s N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers was unlawful, declaring the allocation inconsistent with procurement regulations and constitutional standards.
In a judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, the court found that the spending, which included N40 billion for the purchase of 465 official vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers, violated established procurement procedures as well as ethical requirements governing public office holders.
The case was filed in 2023 and challenged the legality of the expenditure plan introduced by the National Assembly amid public concerns over economic hardship in the country.
The court held that the decision amounted to a conflict of interest, noting that lawmakers stood to directly benefit from funds they approved for themselves, which undermined transparency and accountability in governance.
It further stated that the spending did not reflect national priorities, especially considering the widespread economic challenges facing citizens, and criticized the lack of justification for such a large allocation at a time of financial strain.
The judge dismissed arguments that the court had no jurisdiction, emphasizing that constitutional principles and legality must be upheld regardless of legislative independence.
The ruling also pointed out that no evidence was provided to show compliance with procurement laws, including competitive bidding and proper value assessments, concluding that the allegations were effectively unchallenged.
