Lawmakers disagree over N40 billion SUVs purchase plan

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 17, 2023

1 minute read

Lawmakers disagree over N40 billion SUVs purchase plan

The plan by the Senate and the House of Representatives to spend N40 billion on Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for lawmakers has sparked controversy among the legislators.

Some lawmakers have opposed the plan and called for the patronage of locally-assembled vehicles instead.

Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that the lawmakers intend to acquire 107 Toyota Land Cruisers (2023 model) for senators and 2023 Toyota Prados for House members. The vehicles for the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker are expected to be different from the ones for other lawmakers.

However, some senators who spoke to Daily Sun expressed their disapproval of the plan, saying it was insensitive and wasteful to buy expensive foreign-made vehicles when local companies can produce cheaper and quality alternatives.

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They suggested that the National Assembly should consider Innoson Motors, Kia Motors, and Hyundai as possible options.

One of the senators from the South East said: “It is not right to buy an SUV that costs over N100 million when we have local companies that can assemble vehicles. We should support our local industries and create jobs for our people.”

Another senator said the plan should be put on hold and more consultations should be made. He proposed that both chambers should pass resolutions banning government officials at the federal level from buying foreign-made vehicles for official use.

He said: “If we do that, we will encourage major car manufacturers to come and invest in Nigeria and create employment opportunities for our youths. We will also save foreign exchange and boost our economy.”