Secret Reporters
Despite the plight of Nigerians and the continuous cry to the government to wade in on the current economic hardship orchestrated by nefarious policies of the government, documents have shown that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration has earmarked a humongous amount for a flamboyant cause.
Data exclusively obtained by SecretReporters from the 2022 supplementary budget revealed that the Tinubu-led administration earmarked the sum of one billion naira for the supply of Toyota/Lexus jeep.
The documents, however, failed to explain the offices or individuals who are going to be beneficiaries of such vehicles, what exactly the vehicles are meant for, and the number of vehicles that are to be supplied.
Market value findings by this online media platform show that a Toyota/Lexus jeep costs the sum of seventy million naira (N70,000,000). Therefore, the budgeted amount will secure the supply of approximately fourteen (14) vehicles.
While the President aims to exert one billion naira on luxurious vehicles amidst the current economic hardship exacerbated by the subsidy removal, he is yet to fulfill his promise of ameliorating the hardship through the N500 billion he earmarked for the cause despite getting speedy approval from the President Godswill Akpabio-led national assembly.
Tinubu had earlier stated that his administration would make N8,000 transfer to 12 million households over six months to help mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal. He, however, rescinded the move after public backlash.
A statement by Dele Alake, the spokesperson to the President, read in part, “Following public feedback and sentiments expressed by Nigerians, the President decided to reevaluate the program and present the entire palliative package to the Nigerian people.
“The President’s directive reflects his commitment to responsiveness and ensuring that government interventions align with the needs and expectations of the citizens. In light of this, President Tinubu also ordered the immediate release of fertilizers and grains to 50 million farmers and households nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“With the palliative program under review and additional support for farmers and households in the pipeline, Nigerians anticipate measures that will alleviate economic pressures and improve their overall well-being. As the government fine-tunes its approach, it is expected that the final outcome will strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and providing meaningful assistance to those in need”.