House Defends N’Assembly Vehicle Procurement Amid Economic Hardship

As Nigerians grapple with economic challenges partly due to fuel subsidy removal, the House of Representatives has justified its ongoing procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers of the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement on Sunday, the House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the National Assembly management is in the process of acquiring and allocating the vehicles to members over the next weeks and months, in line with procurement laws and past practice.

Rotimi explained that the cars are operational vehicles tied to oversight functions, not personal gifts to lawmakers. They will remain National Assembly assets during the 10th Assembly until 2027, when members can optionally buy them pending any government asset sale policy.

He stated that the Green Chamber is minimizing dependence on the Executive for oversight mobility to ensure integrity and effectiveness. Rotimi added that the public should note the vehicles are work tools and not status symbols, as members require functional cars to reach remote areas and properly represent citizens.

Procuring new vehicles for federal lawmakers has often sparked controversy given the huge expenditure involved. With 360 House members and 109 Senators, billions of naira are spent every four years to provide the cars.

Rotimi maintained that the House is committed to cutting governance costs in light of economic realities. He said the National Assembly budget and component has reduced over the last decade despite inflation and expanding lawmaker duties.

The House spokesperson encouraged examining the right areas to reduce cost of governance, rather than disaffection towards enabling lawmakers to function effectively and resist inducement.