The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to purchase 2023 model Toyota Land Cruisers for its members at a contract price of around N160 million each. This move has sparked controversy and criticism from the public due to the high cost of living and economic challenges facing many Nigerians.
The purchase also includes bulletproof vehicles for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and his deputy, Barau Jibrin. Critics, including the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have expressed concerns about the insensitivity of the parliamentarians in the face of widespread hardship in the country.
In response to the criticism, the Senate defended the purchase, stating that lawmakers require these vehicles for their duties. The chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Sunday Karimi, argued that members of other government branches use similar vehicles and called on critics to scrutinize ministers and members of state assemblies who also use such vehicles.
The Senate chose the Toyota Land Cruiser after a comparative analysis of cost, technical considerations, and the durability of Nigerian roads. Karimi explained that this decision was made after considering factors like the roads' condition and the ability to maintain the vehicles over the next four years. He also highlighted the challenges of delayed payments from previous vehicle suppliers
