SERAP demands refund of N110bn lawmakers’ allowances and vehicle funds after court ruling
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, demanding the recovery of N110 billion allocated for vehicle procurement and support allowances for federal lawmakers. This demand follows a Federal High Court in Lagos judgment that declared the scheme unlawful. SERAP, in a letter dated June 20, 2026, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the National Assembly leadership to ensure lawmakers refund all funds and benefits derived from the scheme and to implement stronger transparency measures for future public spending. The organization emphasized that compliance with the court's judgment is crucial for upholding the rule of law and public trust, stating that allowing lawmakers to retain benefits from the disputed expenditure would undermine governance principles. Justice Yellim Bogoro's judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 found that spending N40 billion on 465 official vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected legislators violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and public trust obligations. While the court did not explicitly order a refund, SERAP argues that the findings, when read with the Constitution and procurement laws, provide a legal basis for restitution. SERAP also called for reforms, including mandatory public hearings on legislative budgets and full disclosure of expendit
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