Amidst economic challenges and the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has announced its finalization of plans to distribute official vehicles to members of the 10th National Assembly. The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, stated that the management is in the process of procuring and distributing these vehicles to the lawmakers.
Rotimi clarified that these vehicles are operational vehicles, not personal gifts, and they are intended to support the honorable members' oversight functions and duties in standing committees. Additionally, the vehicles will remain the property of the National Assembly until the 10th Assembly's tenure ends in 2027.
The House's objective is to enhance its integrity and independence by ensuring that members can effectively oversee government activities in all areas of the country, especially difficult terrains. The allocation of vehicles to the lawmakers is seen as a means to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions.
The House also expressed its commitment to reducing the cost of governance, noting that the percentage of the Legislature's budget relative to the national budget has been decreasing over the past decade.
While the procurement of new vehicles for lawmakers has historically generated controversy due to its cost, the 10th National Assembly members, including returning senators and representatives, will also receive new vehicles as part of this ongoing practice.
