Abayomi Susan
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the allocation of ₦15.13 billion for the procurement of 39 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) under the 2026 Appropriation Act, demanding greater transparency from the Federal Government.
Atiku, through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said an analysis by Tracka showing that each vehicle was estimated at about ₦387 million raised serious concerns about accountability and public spending.
He argued that the issue goes beyond the cost of the vehicles, describing it as a reflection of broader questions surrounding leadership, responsibility and prudent management of public resources.
“Tracka’s analysis shows that N15.13 billion was budgeted for the procurement of 39 SUVs. That translates to an astonishing N387 million per vehicle,” Atiku said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate urged the government to publish details of the procurement, including the make, model, year of manufacture, supplier, contract information and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) of the vehicles.
He added that if the procurement process was still ongoing, Nigerians deserved an explanation on why such a major expenditure had not been concluded several months into the fiscal year.
Atiku questioned whether the amount allocated per vehicle was for ultra-luxury brands, asking what justification existed for such a high price tag if the vehicles did not fall within that category.
He also questioned the process through which the budget was approved, asking whether sufficient scrutiny was applied before the allocation became law.
According to him, the President cannot approve a budget and distance himself from concerns that arise over spending decisions.
“The buck stops on his desk,” Atiku stated, insisting that public officials must take responsibility for how taxpayers’ money is utilised.
The former vice president also raised concerns over another aspect of the Tracka analysis, which identified ₦947.70 billion allocated for 2,579 empowerment projects.
He said Nigerians should be provided with details on the location of the projects, beneficiaries, contractor selection process and mechanisms for monitoring implementation.
Atiku criticised what he described as a contrast between government calls for citizens to endure economic hardship and the allocation of funds for expenditures that require further clarification.
He urged the Federal Government to release procurement documents, invoices, supplier information and other relevant records, arguing that transparency would help address public concerns.
“Public money belongs to the Nigerian people. Every kobo must be accounted for,” he said.
