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The decision of the National Assembly (NASS) to procure and distribute utility Prado jeeps worth N130 million to lawmakers has sparked uproar on social media.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Rep. Rotimi Akin, Spokesperson of the House of Representatives confirmed the procurement plans in a statement in Abuja on Sunday night.
Rep Akin confirmed that the NASS is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps, worth N130 million to lawmakers, coming at a time Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
Akin, defending the move, said the initiative aligned with existing procurement laws, adding that it was a customary practice in previous assemblies.
He said the distribution concerned vehicles tied to lawmakers’ oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees, and they are not personal gifts.
“For the duration of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, these vehicles will remain the property of the National Assembly.
”However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property,” Akin said.
He emphasised the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially when it comes to oversight functions in various regions of the country.
Akin said the aimed was to ensure that government interventions, programmes, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerian citizens reside.
He highlighted the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget which had steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 per cent of the federal budget.
He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.
He said the vehicles were work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives.
Reacting, @realkelvin07 on X wrote: “The National Assembly lacks empathy. They don’t know how to read the room. You procure 2023 SUVs in a budget cycle where the government is struggling to secure a $3bn loan? Both the Senate President & Speaker are a disgrace to Nigerians!”
Also, @FinPlanKaluAja1 on X wrote: “If the National Assembly spent those billions to order Made in Nigeria cars from Innoson and NORD, it would be stimulative, it would create jobs and boost the GDP of Nigeria. The National Assembly of Nigeria is a first-line waste of taxpayer funds”.