The House of Representatives has confirmed the procurement and distribution of utility Prado SUVs worth N130 million to lawmakers in the National Assembly.
The spokesman for the parliament, Rotimi Akin, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday night in Abuja.
Mr. Akin emphasized that this initiative is in line with existing procurement laws and is a customary practice in previous assemblies. The distribution of these vehicles is specifically intended for 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,” the legislator clarified.
“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 emphasised the importance of these vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, particularly concerning oversight functions in various regions of the country.
He stressed that the aim is to ensure that government interventions, programs, and policies are effectively carried out, regardless of the location of Nigerian citizens.
Mr. Akin also highlighted the decreasing percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget over the past decade, which currently stands at 0.5 percent of the federal budget. He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in fulfilling their duties effectively and with integrity.
He equally pointed out that these vehicles are regarded as work tools and not as status symbols. Their purpose is to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives.
