Why we’ll still buy luxury SUVs despite public outrage – Senate

The Nigerian Senate says it remains resolute in its decision to procure luxury vehicles for lawmakers, despite widespread criticism from the public and concerns regarding the nation’s economic stability.

Sunday Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to this controversial decision during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He justified the purchase, emphasizing the need for durable vehicles that can endure the challenging state of Nigerian roads.

Karimi stated,

“Somebody that is a Minister has more than three Land Cruisers, Prados, and other vehicles, and you are not asking them questions, why us? And these vehicles that you see, go to Nigeria’s roads today, If I go home once, my senatorial district, I come back spending a lot on my vehicles because our roads are bad.”

The Senate’s decision has drawn intense public criticism, with many Nigerians expressing their disappointment that lawmakers are prioritizing luxury over addressing the nation’s pressing needs.

The purchase is intended to provide vehicles for the 469 members of the National Assembly, with 109 members in the Senate and 360 in the House of Representatives.

The cost and procurement process have generated debate, with Karimi citing the complexities of past liabilities and taxation.

This controversial move by the Nigerian Senate underscores the ongoing debate about the priorities of public officials and the allocation of resources in the face of economic challenges and public expectations.