SERAP demands refund of N110bn Lawmakers’ allowances, vehicles, issues 7-day ultimatum

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, demanding the recovery of an alleged N110bn spent on lawmakers’ vehicle procurement and support allowances.

The group made the demand in a letter dated 20 June 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos which declared the expenditure unlawful.

SERAP called on the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure lawmakers refund all funds, allowances, and benefits linked to the scheme, while also introducing stronger transparency and accountability measures in public spending.

Court judgment and allegations of illegality

The demand is based on the judgment of Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, which held that the procurement of 465 official vehicles worth N40bn and N70bn in allowances for new lawmakers violated procurement laws and constitutional provisions.

SERAP argued that although the court did not explicitly order a refund, its findings establish a clear legal and moral basis for restitution.

“The judgment established that the schemes were implemented in breach of the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, constitutional oaths of office, and principles of transparency and accountability,” the organisation said.

Call for refund and accountability

SERAP insisted that no public official should be allowed to retain benefits obtained through unlawful or unconstitutional actions.

“Allowing lawmakers to retain benefits derived from unlawful and unconstitutional expenditure would be inconsistent with the constitutional duty to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power,” Mr. Oluwadare stated.

The organisation further stressed that restitution is necessary to restore public trust and strengthen governance standards.

Reform demands on National Assembly

Beyond the refund request, SERAP urged the National Assembly to introduce reforms to prevent future misuse of public funds.

It recommended mandatory public hearings on the National Assembly budget and full disclosure of legislative expenditure details.

“Public hearings on the National Assembly’s budget would enhance public participation, improve scrutiny of legislative expenditure, and ensure meaningful oversight,” the group said.

It also called for stronger compliance mechanisms to ensure adherence to procurement and financial regulations.

Ultimatum and legal threat

SERAP warned that failure to comply within seven days would lead to legal action against the National Assembly leadership and affected lawmakers.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions,” the letter stated.

The organisation maintained that accountability is a constitutional requirement and essential to protecting public resources.

SERAP argued that reversing unlawful benefits would help rebuild public trust and deter future abuses of office.

“The reimbursement of unlawfully obtained benefits would help restore public trust, deter future abuses, and ensure public resources are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” it added.