SUVs Debate Deepens: Group Defends NASS Spending

By Our Reporter

Group Tells Critics of N’Assembly
A pro-democracy organisation, the Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA), has cautioned Civil Society Organisations and critics of the National Assembly against actions it says undermine the institution of Parliament over the controversial N110 billion reportedly spent on official vehicles and support allowances for lawmakers in 2023.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had, penultimate Wednesday, ruled that the N40 billion used to procure 360 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for members of the House of Representatives and 109 SUVs for senators, as well as the N70 billion allocated for support allowances for members of the 10th National Assembly, did not comply with standard procurement laws.
In its judgment, the court declared the N110 billion appropriation and expenditure by the National Assembly unlawful. Justice Yellim Bogoro directed Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure that future procurements and expenditures by the National Assembly strictly adhere to due process and are guided by transparency, accountability, and value for money.
Two weeks after the ruling, the plaintiff in the case, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), maintained that members of the National Assembly should refund the N110 billion to the Federal Government.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, ASJA questioned the court’s decision, arguing that the ruling raises important constitutional concerns regarding the operational autonomy of the legislature.
The statement, signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Torkuma Asongo, stated that the National Assembly, as an independent arm of government, has the constitutional authority to make budgetary provisions necessary for carrying out its legislative duties.
According to ASJA, the purchase of official vehicles for lawmakers should not be viewed as extravagance but as a necessary step to enable legislators perform oversight responsibilities, constituency engagements, committee assignments, and other official duties across the country.
“The National Assembly remains one of the critical institutions of democracy, and its members require adequate operational support to effectively discharge their constitutional mandate. Official vehicles for lawmakers should be regarded as essential tools for legislative work rather than luxury items,” the statement said.
The group also faulted SERAP’s call for a refund of the funds, describing it as premature and capable of creating unnecessary institutional tension.
ASJA argued that concerned parties should allow the judicial process to take its full course, including any appeals, instead of mounting public pressure on the legislature.
The organisation further stressed the need to uphold the principle of separation of powers, warning against actions that could weaken the independence and integrity of the legislature.
“The principle of separation of powers is fundamental to constitutional democracy. While accountability and transparency remain essential, care must be taken to ensure that the constitutional independence of the legislature is not eroded through undue interference or public sensationalism,” the group stated.
ASJA urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to approach issues involving the National Assembly with objectivity and restraint, noting that continuous efforts to delegitimise the parliament could weaken democratic institutions and reduce public confidence in governance.
The group reaffirmed the need to respect the National Assembly as Nigeria’s foremost representative institution, insisting that strengthening democratic institutions remains vital to the country’s democratic consolidation.