Court Nullifies House of Reps’ N72.6bn Compensation Order against Seplat, Says National Assembly Cannot Award Damages
Wale Igbintade
A Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified a resolution of the House of Representatives directing Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited to pay N72.624 billion as compensation to communities over alleged oil spill incidents.
The court held that the National Assembly exceeded its constitutional powers by assuming the judicial function of determining civil liability and awarding damages.
In a judgement delivered by Justice Allagoa in Suit No. FHC/LAG/CS/862/2026, the court ruled that the House of Representatives acted outside the scope of its constitutional investigative powers when it directed the oil company to pay compensation to alleged victims, declaring the resolution unconstitutional, null and void.
