The House of Representatives says the National Assembly is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps worth N130 million to the lawmakers.

The spokesperson for the House of Reps, Rotimi Akin, said this in a statement issued on Sunday night.

Akin stated that the initiative aligned with existing procurement laws, adding that it was a customary practice in previous assemblies.

He said the distribution concerned vehicles tied to lawmakers’ oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees, and they are not personal gifts.

He stated: “For the duration of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, these vehicles will remain the property of the National Assembly.

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“However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property.”

The lawmaker emphasised the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially when it comes to oversight functions in various regions of the country.

Akin said the aim was to ensure that the government interventions, programmes, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerians reside.

He highlighted the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget which had steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 per cent of the federal budget.

He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.

Akin said the vehicles were work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives.

The Star