In a recent development, the House of Representatives has officially confirmed that the National Assembly is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps valued at N130 million for lawmakers. This announcement was made by Representative Rotimi Akin, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, in a statement issued in Abuja on a Sunday night.
This news comes at a time when Nigerians are facing economic challenges.Akin emphasized that this initiative aligns with existing procurement laws and has been a customary practice in previous assemblies. He clarified that the distribution of these vehicles is specifically intended to support lawmakers in their oversight functions within the standing committees and is not a personal gift to them.
These Prado jeeps will be utilized during the 10th assembly, covering the period from 2023 to 2027, and will remain the property of the National Assembly during this time.However, there is an option for lawmakers to purchase these vehicles before the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, provided the government’s extant assets deboarding policy remains in place.Akin underscored the importance of these vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially in conducting oversight functions across various regions of the country.
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The goal is to ensure that government interventions, programs, and policies are effectively executed, regardless of where Nigerian citizens reside.He also pointed out that the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget has steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 percent of the federal budget.
Akin urged stakeholders to focus on cost reduction in appropriate areas while supporting lawmakers in carrying out their duties effectively and with integrity.In conclusion, Akin emphasized that these vehicles are work tools, not status symbols, designed to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions performed by elected representatives.
Source: Daily time