National Assembly Faces Backlash Over N2.8 Billion Prado SUV Allocations

Amid growing concerns over the management of the Nigerian economy under the current administration, the National Assembly leadership is reportedly moving forward with plans to allocate 40 Prado Jeep SUVs to outgoing Commissioners of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). This decision has ignited controversy, particularly among PCC workers, who see it as a questionable use of resources during a period of significant economic hardship.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, a single unit of the 2022 model Prado Jeep costs between N70 million and N100 million, meaning the total cost of 40 vehicles would amount to at least N2.8 billion.

The outgoing Commissioners were appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2021 for a single three-year term. The SUVs, which were procured under the 2022 Appropriations, have been used for less than two years. However, the vehicles are now being made available to the Commissioners at a substantially reduced price of N5 million each, a move that has raised eyebrows.

A staff member of the commission, speaking anonymously to SaharaReporters, expressed frustration, describing this as a glaring example of wasteful spending. The source highlighted that another set of 38 Commissioners has recently been appointed, necessitating the procurement of another 40 SUVs next year.

The source explained, “The Public Complaints Commission, which is overseen by the National Assembly, purchased 40 SUVs for the Honourable Commissioners in 2022. The Commissioners, whose tenure ended in July 2024, are set to take these vehicles with them after just two years of use.”

The source further alleged that the leadership of the National Assembly, specifically the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, is responsible for approving the transfer of these vehicles to the outgoing Commissioners at the nominal price of N5 million each. The source questioned the logic behind selling a Prado Jeep, which has only been used for two years, at such a low price.

Despite opposition from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition, chaired by Hon. Mike Etaba, and petitions from both PCC staff and civil society organizations, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudden Abbas, reportedly supports allowing the Commissioners to keep the vehicles.

The source also highlighted the market value of these vehicles in today’s economy and noted that the recent appointment of 37 new Commissioners and one Chief Commissioner means that another 40 SUVs, including 38 Prado Jeeps, a Land Cruiser Jeep, and a Hilux, will likely be purchased under the 2025 appropriation. The cost for these new vehicles is estimated to be no less than N3 billion.

In summary, the situation has raised concerns over the cost of governance and the apparent lack of fiscal restraint by the country’s leadership, despite ongoing economic challenges faced by the nation.