By Abiola Olawale
Frontline Nigerian human rights lawyer, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has chided the Federal Government for approving a total of N12.5 billion for the procurement of 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 vehicles for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Odinkalu, a one-time Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), described the action of the government as irresponsible, adding it is an utter disrespect to Nigerians.
The New Diplomat reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday granted NCS the approval to purchase 200 Toyota Land Cruisers.
The vehicles will be purchased at the sum of N12.5 billion plus an additional sum of N522 million for insurance.
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Ajuri Ngelale, who confirmed the FEC approval in a statement issued on Tuesday, said insurance cover for the vehicles will be provided by NEM Insurance Plc.
“All the vehicles will be CNG-powered,” he added.
Reacting to the development, the activist said it is laughable that Tinubu approved N12.5 billion for the purchase of a foreign-made car at a time when his administration is advocating for Nigerians to buy products made in the country to strengthen the Naira.
Odinkalu who took to his official X handle also lamented the huge spending at a time when the economy of Nigeria is facing multiple challenges.
He tweeted: “The same @OfficialAPCNg govt of @NigeriaGov & it’s Vuvuzelas who ask us to #BuyNigerian to #GrowTheNaira are also the same ppl approving unprintable sums to import unsustainable vehicles from richer economies. How stupid are we….?!
“At a time of prohibitive petrol costs & supposedly lean times, @NigeriaGov that is tasking & taxing #Nigerians is approving humongous money to purchase 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 vehicles for @CustomsNG. This is beyond irresponsible.”
