Emmanuel Ochayi
At a time when many Nigerians struggle to afford food, leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives are spending billions on luxury vehicles. A recent report by Premium Times exposed how Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, along with their deputies, Barau Jibrin and Benjamin Kalu, use expensive convoys funded by taxpayers.
The report revealed that the Senate President and House Speaker each have fleets of 11 vehicles, costing Nigerians an estimated ₦4 billion per convoy. Their deputies also maintain nine-vehicle fleets, pushing the total cost beyond ₦7 billion. This spending comes at a time when many Nigerians battle hunger, inflation, and economic hardship.
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The Cost of Lawmakers’ Luxury Convoys
The report revealed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio maintains a fleet of 11 vehicles, all funded by taxpayers. His convoy includes two bulletproof 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models, each valued at hundreds of millions of naira. Additionally, he owns five Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs, known for their durability and high cost.
Alongside these luxury cars, Akpabio’s fleet features two Toyota Hilux trucks, which are commonly used for security and escort purposes. One of the Hilux vehicles is branded with the ADBN TV logo, raising further questions about its purpose. His convoy also includes an ambulance and three police power bikes, further increasing the total cost.
Similarly, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas operates an 11-vehicle convoy, mirroring that of his Senate counterpart. His fleet includes one bulletproof 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, offering the same level of security and luxury as Akpabio’s. In addition, Abass owns four Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs and four Toyota Hilux trucks, reinforcing the trend of extravagant spending on transportation.
Abbas also possesses one Lexus SUV, another expensive addition to his fleet. To complete his convoy, he has an ambulance and two police power bikes, ensuring a high level of security and medical backup during his movements. These vehicles, combined with those of his deputies, contribute to the multi-billion-naira expense on government officials’ transportation, despite the economic crisis affecting ordinary Nigerians.
Their deputies also operate nine-vehicle fleets with similar luxury models, along with two police power bikes each. The cost of these vehicles is staggering, with a brand-new bulletproof Mercedes-Benz S-Class valued at around ₦306 million, a Toyota Land Cruiser at ₦375 million, and a Lexus SUV at ₦40 million. The police power bikes alone are estimated at ₦30 million each.
Nigerians Battle Hunger While Leaders Spend Billions
This lavish spending stands in stark contrast to the economic reality of ordinary Nigerians. Many citizens are battling hunger as inflation continues to erode their purchasing power. Nigeria is home to 129 million poor people, according to recent statistics, yet billions are being spent on luxury vehicles for lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly urged Nigerians to “tighten their belts” due to his economic reforms, which have led to higher fuel prices, a weakened naira, and increased cost of living. However, while citizens struggle to afford basic necessities, lawmakers continue to enjoy extravagant privileges.
Lawmakers Also Use Private Jets at Taxpayers’ Expense
Beyond their costly convoys, these lawmakers also travel in private jets or aircraft from the presidential fleet when moving outside Abuja. This further adds to the burden on taxpayers, raising concerns over wasteful government spending.
While Nigerians battle hunger, their leaders are showing little commitment to cutting costs or addressing the economic crisis affecting millions. Instead, they continue to live in luxury, spending billions on exotic cars while asking the public to endure hardship.
Calls for Accountability as Nigerians Demand Change
The growing gap between government officials and ordinary Nigerians has led to increased frustration. Many believe that the country’s fiscal policies should prioritize hunger relief, infrastructure, and job creation rather than luxury spending.
As economic hardship worsens, Nigerians are calling for accountability. There is a growing demand for the government to redirect resources toward essential services instead of funding lavish lifestyles for lawmakers. The contrast between government spending and the struggles of ordinary citizens highlights a deep disconnect that needs urgent attention.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
