Despite Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, several state governors have spent billions of naira on purchasing luxury vehicles for members of state houses of assembly.
Analyses indicate that nine states have collectively expended over N15 billion on different brands of vehicles for lawmakers in the current political dispensation.
Recently, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, allocated N2.7 billion for exotic vehicles for the state assembly members, with some receiving SUVs valued at N68 million each.
The Kano Assembly comprises 25 members from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 14 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with one election result pending.
In Benue State, all 32 members of the House of Assembly have taken delivery of their SUVs, each costing about N60 million, provided by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya presented 41 brand-new SUVs to the 24 state assembly members and 17 commissioners on December 30, 2023.
Each GAC Motor ‘All New GS4’ vehicle reportedly cost around N33.5 million.
Yahaya justified the purchase, stating, “The vehicles were bought to help lawmakers carry out their oversight functions and effectively participate in governance.”
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, distributed 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to state lawmakers and judges on December 22, 2023, about a month before leaving office.
Speaker of the state assembly, Umar Yusuf, received an SUV and two additional vehicles, while other members received one vehicle each.
In Ondo State, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu presented JAC Motors vehicles to the 26 members of the state assembly last August, with each car costing N19 million.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji and Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinrutan received Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs valued at N106 million each.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, purchased VXR Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps for all 24 members of the state assembly, with each vehicle costing around N51 million.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, distributed Toyota Jeeps to the 24 state assembly members, valued at over N1.9 billion.
Ahmed Idris, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, stated that the vehicles were procured to ensure government officials could carry out their duties efficiently.
Osun State Government also provided new Fortuner brand cars to the 26 state assembly members this year.
However, the cost of these cars was not disclosed.
In Niger State, 25 of the 27 state assembly members received Prado Jeeps from Governor Mohammed Bago, while the speaker and deputy speaker got Land Cruiser Jeeps.
Each Prado Jeep was said to have cost around N70 million.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, recently gifted members of the National Assembly from the state with cars to aid their national duties.
Representative Francis Ejiroghene Waive lauded Oborevwori, describing him as a generous leader.
Misplaced Priorities
Critics have condemned these expenditures as a misplacement of priorities.
Bayo Ogunleye, former chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said, “All the so-called elected people have become unconcerned about the plight of the people.
Look at the situation in the country, people are hungry, prices of food items are high and yet you are buying expensive vehicles for lawmakers.”
Civil Society Organizations Speak Out
Senior Communications Officer at Yiaga Africa, Mark Amaza, criticized the spending, stating, “Considering the economic situation of Nigeria, spending so much on a small group of people does not convey concern for the plight of their constituents.
It also signifies the lack of financial autonomy of the house and raises questions about the legislature’s ability to hold the executive accountable.”
Gad Peter, Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, said, “Gifting cars to lawmakers and other government officials has become a ritual in Nigeria.
Instead of spending on luxury vehicles, why not invest this money in capital projects and infrastructure?”
Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), lamented the federal government’s similar insensitivity, stating, “The height of insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary citizen is alarming, especially with the federal government’s proposed minimum wage.”
