The House of Representatives has confirmed that the National Assembly is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps, worth N130 million to lawmakers adding that the procurement is not for personal gifts.
The Spokesman of the House of Representatives Hon. Rotimi Akin, confirmed the development in a statement in Abuja on Sunday night.
The house spokesperson stressed the ideal aligned with existing procurement laws.
He made known that the initiative was a customary practice since establishment of the institution.
He said the vehicles primarily tied to lawmakers’ oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees.
In his words:“For the duration of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, these vehicles will remain the property of the National Assembly.
” However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property. ”
He aslo elucidated the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties.
“The aimed was to ensure that government interventions, programmes, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerian citizens reside.
He highlighted the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget which had steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 per cent of the federal budget.
He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.
He said the vehicles were work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives.
(NAN)
