RismadarVoice Reporters, June 21, 2026
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to recover and return to the public treasury the sum of N110 billion allegedly unlawfully spent on vehicles and support allowances for federal lawmakers.
The demand follows a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which reportedly found that the expenditure of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected legislators violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions and public trust principles.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP disclosed that it had written to the leadership of the National Assembly, urging immediate action in line with the implications of the court judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023.
According to the organisation, the court’s findings established that the expenditures were implemented in breach of the Public Procurement Act, constitutional obligations and ethical standards governing public office holders.
SERAP argued that lawmakers who benefited from the expenditures should not be allowed to retain gains arising from actions judicially determined to be unlawful.
“Flowing from Justice Bogoro’s judgment, there must be consequences and full restitution for the lawmakers’ failure to comply with their constitutional and statutory obligations, particularly in relation to the unlawful expenditure of the N110 billion as found by the Court,” the organisation stated.
The group maintained that although the court did not expressly order a refund of the funds, the judgment provided sufficient legal and factual grounds for recovery and restitution under the Constitution, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations.
SERAP also urged the National Assembly to establish stronger compliance mechanisms to ensure future procurement and expenditure processes strictly adhere to due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.
The organisation further called for greater openness in legislative spending, recommending the institutionalisation of public hearings on the National Assembly’s budget during every budget cycle and the proactive publication of detailed budgetary and expenditure information.
According to SERAP, such measures would enhance transparency, improve public scrutiny and strengthen citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.
The group stressed that public officials should not retain benefits obtained through conduct that has been declared unlawful by a court.
“Restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust and ensure accountability for violations of constitutional and statutory duties,” it said.
SERAP warned that it could return to court if the National Assembly fails to take action within seven days of receiving its letter.
The organisation cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, arguing that public institutions have a constitutional obligation to remedy any harm arising from unlawful expenditure of public funds.
It also emphasised that the National Assembly, as a key democratic institution, must demonstrate the highest standards of accountability, transparency and integrity in managing public resources.
The advocacy group maintained that recovering the funds would help restore public confidence, deter future abuses and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of Nigerians rather than private interests.
