Members of the House of Representatives in Nigeria have begun taking delivery of their Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) while their Senate counterparts await the first batch of their vehicles.
The National Assembly leadership has authorized the purchase of imported SUVs for every lawmaker and bulletproof vehicles for key officers. This lavish expenditure has caused significant public outrage, especially given Nigeria’s substantial debt burden and the rising poverty rate among its citizens.
The estimated cost of these SUVs for each of the 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives is a staggering N57.6 billion, with each vehicle priced at N160 million.
Akin Rotimi, the House of Representatives spokesperson, confirmed that some members have started receiving their vehicles. Priority has been given to female members of parliament, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. The management has also ensured that only members without pending court cases will be given vehicles to avoid complications.
The National Assembly has issued a clear directive to prevent lawmakers from selling these vehicles, asserting that they are the property of the institution. This move aims to ensure that the vehicles are utilized for legislative purposes and not sold off, unlike previous assemblies.
The vehicles will be delivered in three batches, primarily for committee chairpersons and members. Although the acquisition of these SUVs has stirred controversy, lawmakers argue that they are essential for their work.
Last week, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, Sunday Karimi, defended the choice of Toyota vehicles over locally made options, citing Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability. Karimi also noted the poor state of Nigeria’s major roads as a reason for selecting these posh vehicles.
While lawmakers justify their vehicle preferences, the public remains critical of the extravagant spending on luxury cars during times of economic hardship and poverty.
