The House of Representatives in Nigeria has confirmed that the National Assembly is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps worth ₦130 million to lawmakers. According to Rep. Rotimi Akin, the spokesperson for the House of Reps, this initiative is in line with existing procurement laws and has been a customary practice in previous assemblies.

The distribution of these vehicles is specifically for lawmakers’ oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within standing committees, and they remain the property of the National Assembly for the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 to 2027). If the government’s extant assets deboarding policy is still 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 emphasized the importance of these vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially concerning oversight functions in various regions of the country to ensure government interventions, programs, and policies are effectively carried out for the benefit of Nigerian citizens.

The spokesperson 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% 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.

It’s worth noting that this announcement comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic challenges, and public spending is under scrutiny.