The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to ensure the recovery and return of N110 billion spent on vehicle procurement and support allowances for federal lawmakers, following a Federal High Court judgment that declared the expenditure unlawful.
In a letter dated June 20, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation gave the leadership of the National Assembly seven days to initiate measures that would compel lawmakers to refund all monies, allowances, and benefits received under the schemes. The civil society group also urged the National Assembly to establish stronger safeguards to ensure future spending complies strictly with procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and principles of transparency and accountability.
The demand follows a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023.
According to SERAP, the court found that N40 billion spent on the procurement of 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion allocated as support allowances for newly elected legislators violated procurement regulations, constitutional obligations, and public trust standards.
The organisation argued that the ruling created a strong legal and constitutional basis for the recovery of the funds, even though the judgment did not expressly order restitution. SERAP maintained that allowing public officials to retain benefits derived from expenditure already declared unlawful would weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and undermine efforts to combat corruption.
The organisation insisted that public officials should not benefit from actions that have been judicially determined to be unconstitutional or unlawful.
According to the letter, restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust, and ensure accountability in public service. SERAP stated that where courts find evidence of self-dealing, conflict of interest, and breaches of procurement laws, the consequences of such actions must be reversed through the recovery of public funds.
The group further argued that constitutional principles of legality, accountability, and good governance impose obligations on all public institutions, including the National Assembly. It cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.
Beyond the refund request, SERAP urged the National Assembly to institutionalise public hearings on its budget during every budget cycle. The organisation also called for the proactive publication of detailed legislative budget and expenditure records to improve public scrutiny and strengthen citizens’ participation in governance.
According to SERAP, open budget processes would enhance transparency, encourage oversight, and help prevent future cases of unlawful spending. The group said effective compliance mechanisms are essential to ensure future procurements meet statutory requirements and deliver value for public funds.
SERAP warned that failure to act within seven days could trigger fresh legal proceedings aimed at securing the recovery of the funds. The organisation said it would pursue all available legal options in the public interest if the National Assembly leadership fails to implement corrective measures.
It argued that the return of the funds would help restore confidence in public institutions, deter future abuses of office, protect citizens’ right to development, and ensure national resources are used for the benefit of Nigerians rather than private interests. The group stressed that accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law remain essential pillars of democratic governance and must be reflected in the conduct of the National Assembly itself.
