Lagos High Court rules N110bn Assembly spending unlawful

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that a 110 billion naira expenditure plan by Nigeria's National Assembly for vehicles and allowances is unlawful. The judgment, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro on May 6, 2026, found that the proposed spending failed to comply with public procurement laws and principles of value for money.

The court case was initiated by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a non-governmental organization. SERAP argued that the plan to spend 40 billion naira on vehicles for lawmakers and 70 billion naira on allowances was extravagant and unjustifiable, particularly given the country's economic challenges. The court affirmed SERAP's legal standing to bring the suit, stating the matter was of undeniable public concern.

In his ruling, Justice Bogoro declared the expenditure schemes unlawful. The court found that the National Assembly defendants failed to provide credible evidence that the planned spending adhered to required procedures, including competitive bidding and a proper assessment for value. The judgment includes an order directing the defendants to ensure all future procurement and expenditure of public funds strictly...