Luxury on Public Dime: Akwa Ibom Gov. Umo Eno To Splurge N14.2 Billion Tax Payers Money on Brand-New Toyota Prados

Secrets Reporters

In what appears to be yet another glaring display of profligacy in Nigeria’s corridors of power, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has procured brand-new 2024 Toyota Prado SUVs for each of the 27 Commissioners and Special Advisers sworn in on February 24, 2025.

We gathered that these luxury vehicles, the latest model released by the manufacturer, were not only assigned as official cars but were also accompanied by backup vehicles for security personnel and utility staff. This largesse, funded by taxpayers’ money, comes at a time when economic hardship continues to grip the ordinary citizens of Akwa Ibom State.

Even though this online medium could not independently verify the exact model specifications, findings indicate that a new 2024 Toyota Prado in Nigeria commands a price tag ranging between ₦145,015,008 and ₦375,000,000, depending on model and mileage. With 27 such vehicles which were sighted by our correspondent procured, the total expenditure is projected to run into several billions of naira.

Scrutiny of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State budget reveals that a staggering ₦14,284,700,000 was allocated for motor vehicles. This is not an isolated occurrence. In 2024, the state earmarked ₦21,039,250,000 for the same purpose, while ₦18,309,050,010 was spent in 2023.

A list sighted by our correspondent shows that among the beneficiaries of this largesse are nine returning commissioners, eight of whom served under former Governor Udom Emmanuel, while one was appointed by Eno himself.

The returning commissioners include: “The returning commissioners are, Prof. Eno Ibanga – Works and Fire Service, Ini Ememobong – Information and Strategy, Emem Bob – Economic Development, Offiong Offor – Agriculture, Frank Archibong – Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Linus Nkan – Finance, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (retd.) – Lands, Uko Essien Udom, SAN – Justice and Gen. Koko Essien (retd.) – Internal Security and Waterways (the only commissioner previously appointed by Eno)”

The newly appointed commissioners and special advisers include: “Paul Bassey, Hon. Ikoidem Ekong, Anthony Luke, Hon. Iniobong Robson, Dr. Henry Archibong, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, Dr. Emmanuel John Ekem, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo and Prof. Ubong Essien”

Others are, “Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umana, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Kufre Udosen, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Dr. Ubong Inyang, Princess Emem Ibanga, Dr. Anietie Udofia and Dr. Ekanem Ekerete.”