Nigeria’s lawmakers are set to spend N40 billion for the purchase of luxury vehicles, including top-of-the-line Toyota Land Cruisers and Toyota Prados.
News About Nigeria understands that the plan involves acquiring 107 units of the 2023 model of Toyota Land Cruiser for the Senate and 358 units of the 2023 model of Toyota Prado for the House of Representatives.
Among the privileged beneficiaries of this extravagant expenditure are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abass, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The price tag for the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser starts at a staggering N125 million, with full-option models reaching up to N135 million.
This represents a substantial increase compared to the N50 million spent on each vehicle in 2019, primarily attributed to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira against the dollar.
Insights from a car dealer shed light on the impressive features of the new model, including enhanced on-road quality, four-wheel drive, terrain camera view, and various off-road capabilities.
Other notable features encompass Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a premium audio system, power-adjustable seats, quad-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a head-up display.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu defended the expenditure, clarifying that lawmakers would repay the cost of the vehicles over their term in office. He justified the need for these vehicles, comparing it to the provision of vehicles for government ministers and officials, while emphasizing the loan nature of the arrangement.
To oversee the vehicle procurement process, the Senate Committee on Services, led by Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, has been assigned the task. Senate President Akpabio established this committee earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also intends to upgrade its fleet of official vehicles. Although a proposal for Toyota Prado SUVs has been put forth, it is yet to receive final approval from the leadership.
Responding to the proposal, an anonymous representative expressed support for the upgrade, citing the use of Toyota Land Cruisers by agency heads.
The legislator argued that as long as the Prado SUVs are utilized for official duties, there is no issue with lawmakers having access to them.
