Court Knocks NASS ₦110bn SUV, Allowance Bonanza, Declares Spending Illegal

 



A Federal High Court has ruled that the National Assembly acted unlawfully in approving billions of naira for luxury vehicles and allowances for lawmakers without the involvement of the constitutionally empowered body responsible for determining legislators’ remuneration.

The judgment stemmed from a suit challenging the allocation of about ₦110 billion for the purchase of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and the payment of allowances to members of the Senate and House of Representatives. The court held that the National Assembly Service Commission lacks the authority to fix or approve salaries, allowances, and other emoluments for federal lawmakers, a responsibility vested exclusively in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The court maintained that any allowance or benefit not approved through the proper constitutional process is unlawful. It further emphasized that lawmakers cannot unilaterally determine or increase their own financial benefits outside the framework established by the Constitution.

The controversy arose after reports that the National Assembly planned to spend ₦40 billion on SUVs and bulletproof vehicles for lawmakers and principal officers, while another ₦70 billion was earmarked as support allowances for newly elected members. The spending proposal attracted criticism from civil society groups, which argued that it was insensitive amid worsening economic hardship and widespread poverty across the country.

Legal and civic advocates welcomed the ruling, describing it as a reaffirmation of constitutional limits on public spending and a reminder that public officials must remain accountable in the management of taxpayers’ funds.


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