In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion vehicle and allowance packages for lawmakers.
The court ruled that the expenditure of N40 billion for the purchase of 465 vehicles for members of the National Assembly and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers violated procurement regulations, constitutional provisions, and the principles of public accountability.
The judgment delivers a major setback to the controversial spending plan, which had drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and Nigerians concerned about government expenditure amid economic hardship.
According to the court, public funds must be spent in strict compliance with the law and in a manner that reflects transparency, accountability, and the public interest.
The ruling is expected to reignite debate over government spending priorities and could have far-reaching implications for future budgetary allocations and welfare packages for public office holders.
Legal analysts describe the decision as a significant victory for accountability and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding public resources from unlawful expenditure.
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