All 360 members of the House of Representatives are set to receive brand new 2023 Land Cruiser SUVs valued at ₦160 million each. This is part of the N40 billion earmarked for the purchase of vehicles for lawmakers in the Red and Green Chambers of the National Assembly, as recently reported by Saturday Sun.
No fewer than 107 units of the 2023 model of the Toyota Land Cruiser and 358 units of the 2023 model of the Toyota Prado would be procured for the use of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively, according to the newspaper.
The newspaper also learned that the planned purchase is different from the official vehicles expected to be purchased for the four presiding officers of the National Assembly, namely the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The announcement of the purchase of brand new 2023 Land Cruiser SUVs for all 360 members of the House of Representatives has sparked considerable debate and controversy across the nation. Critics argue that such an extravagant expense is unnecessary and insensitive, especially given the current economic challenges faced by many Nigerians.
The extent of the planned procurement is staggering, with a total of 107 units of the 2023 model of the Toyota Land Cruiser and 358 units of the 2023 model of the Toyota Prado set to be distributed among senators and members of the House, respectively. These vehicles come with a hefty price tag of ₦160 million each, amounting to a staggering ₦40 billion in total.
While some defend the purchase, citing the need for legislators to have reliable transportation for their legislative duties and constituency engagements, others argue that the cost of these vehicles far exceeds what is reasonable and justifiable. They question whether it is appropriate for public funds to be spent on luxury cars when there are pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure that require urgent attention and financing.
It is worth noting that this allocation for vehicles is distinct from the provision for official vehicles for the top-ranking officials in the National Assembly. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, are expected to receive separate vehicles.
The debate surrounding the purchase has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Many Nigerians question whether such huge sums allocated for lawmakers' vehicles are truly necessary, or whether they are a reflection of the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
As the news spreads further, it remains to be seen how the public and civil society groups will respond to this extravagant expenditure. The government faces mounting pressure to reconsider this allocation and prioritize more pressing needs, as it strives to demonstrate its commitment to responsible governance and prudent fiscal management.