SERAP Seeks Refund of N110bn After Court Voids Lawmakers’ Benefits

SERAP has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to take immediate action toward recovering N110 billion allegedly spent on vehicles and support allowances for lawmakers following a Federal High Court ruling that questioned the legality of the expenditure.

The demand came after Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled in a suit that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for legislators and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members did not comply with procurement regulations and constitutional requirements.

In a letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and dated June 20, 2026, SERAP urged the National Assembly to address the consequences of the judgment by ensuring accountability and restoring the funds involved.

The organisation argued that public officials should not continue to enjoy benefits linked to spending that a court has found to be unlawful. According to SERAP, allowing such benefits to remain would weaken public trust in government institutions and reduce confidence in the rule of law.

Beyond the recovery of the funds, SERAP asked lawmakers to introduce stronger systems that would ensure future spending and procurement activities comply with legal requirements. The group said public funds should always be managed with accountability, transparency and proper oversight.

The organisation also called for reforms in the way legislative finances are handled. It proposed regular public hearings on the National Assembly’s budget and the publication of detailed information on legislative spending. SERAP believes such measures would allow citizens to better understand how public money is being used and encourage wider participation in the budget process.

According to the group, the court’s findings pointed to issues involving conflict of interest and actions that did not serve the public interest. It maintained that reversing the benefits derived from the expenditure would help strengthen accountability and discourage similar actions in the future.

SERAP noted that although the court did not specifically direct lawmakers to refund the N110 billion, the judgment provides a legal foundation for recovering the money when considered alongside constitutional provisions, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations.

The organisation gave the National Assembly seven days to act on its recommendations. It warned that if no steps are taken within that period, it may begin further legal proceedings aimed at securing the return of the funds.

SERAP also pointed to provisions of the Nigerian Constitution that require government institutions to combat corruption and abuse of power. It argued that where a court identifies unlawful spending of public resources, authorities have a responsibility to correct the situation and ensure that public funds are protected.

The group further stated that the National Assembly has a duty to uphold transparency, legality and accountability in its own affairs. According to SERAP, recovering the N110 billion and strengthening financial oversight would help rebuild public confidence and ensure that government resources are used for the benefit of citizens rather than private interests.