Nigeria, Aug. 19 -- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to open its books on the N37 billion expended on the renovation of its complex, adding to pressure on the federal legislature to embrace transparency in its use of public funds.

In the judgement delivered on 9 July, the judge, Emeka Nwite, affirmed the public's right to access records of government spending.

Mr Nwite ruled that withholding such details "will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness."

The judgement marks another milestone in the demand for financial and budgetary transparency in the National Assembly, which has made it its policy, against democratic and public accountability princi...