According to sources, the distribution of new 2023 model Toyota Land Cruisers and Toyota Prados to the members of the National Assembly has begun. The vehicles, which cost over N100 million each, are part of the plans of the NASS leadership to provide official cars for the senators and representatives.
The NASS leadership had earlier announced its intention to purchase 109 Toyota Land Cruisers for the senators and 360 Toyota Prados for the members of the House of Representatives.
It was also learned female lawmakers were given priority in the allocation of the cars, as 12 of them have already received their vehicles. The principal officers of both the Senate and the House of Representatives would be the last to get their cars.
Akin Rotimi, House spokesperson and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, while reacting to this development in a statement in Abuja, said: “It is important to make a few clarifications. The vehicles to be allocated to the offices of members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees. They are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members.
“For the duration of the 10th assembly 2023 – 2027, the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly. At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.
“The public is invited to note that as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure our integrity and independence, members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.
“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.”
