Members of both arms of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, have begun receiving their allocated 2023 model Toyota Land Cruisers, each valued at over N100 million. Notably, female lawmakers have been given priority, with 12 of them already taking possession of their vehicles, while principal officers are scheduled to be the last to receive theirs.
The NASS leadership previously disclosed plans to procure 109 units of the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser for senators and 2023 Toyota Prado for the 360 members of the House of Representatives.
A lawmaker, who preferred anonymity, confirmed to Vanguard that House members started receiving their vehicles over the past weekend. Expressing anticipation, a member of the House, speaking anonymously, expressed his eagerness to receive his SUV as a first-time lawmaker.
In response to the matter, House spokesperson and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, issued a statement clarifying that the vehicles are utility operational vehicles tied to lawmakers’ oversight functions and are not personal gifts. He emphasized that these vehicles remain the property of the National Assembly during the 10th Assembly’s tenure (2023-2027). At the assembly’s expiration in 2027, members may have the option to purchase the vehicles or they will continue to belong to the National Assembly.
Rotimi also highlighted the assembly’s commitment to maintaining independence and integrity, especially in logistical aspects of oversight functions. He emphasized the necessity of functional and reliable off-road vehicles for representatives to reach remote locations and effectively carry out their duties, ensuring government interventions and policies are implemented where needed.
