Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to disclose full details of the ₦15.13 billion allocated for the procurement of 39 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the 2026 Federal Budget, raising concerns over transparency and value for money.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said findings by civic accountability organisation Tracka showed that the allocation translates to about ₦387 million per vehicle, a figure he described as requiring urgent public explanation.
“Tracka’s analysis shows that ₦15.13 billion was budgeted for the procurement of 39 SUVs. That translates to an astonishing ₦387 million per vehicle,” Atiku said. “If those vehicles have already been procured, the government should immediately publish the make, model, year of manufacture, supplier, contract details, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each of the 39 vehicles.”
He added that if the procurement process is still ongoing, the government should explain why it has not been concluded months into the fiscal year.
“At that price, Nigerians are entitled to know what type of vehicles were purchased,” he said, questioning whether the funds were used for ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Mercedes-Maybach. “If none of these vehicles was purchased, then what exactly justifies such an extraordinary price tag?”
The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the issue raises broader concerns about fiscal responsibility and leadership accountability.
“What manner of President signs a budget containing figures like these into law without demanding rigorous scrutiny?” Atiku asked. “A President cannot proudly sign a budget into law and then distance himself when glaring questions arise. The buck stops on his desk.”
Atiku also referenced Tracka’s report indicating that ₦947.70 billion was earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects, urging the government to provide detailed information on the projects’ locations, beneficiaries, procurement processes, and implementation mechanisms.
“This is a government that has consistently preached sacrifice to Nigerians… It cannot, in the same breath, expect Nigerians to remain silent over expenditures that raise legitimate questions about value for money,” he said.
He stressed that transparency remains the most effective way to address public concerns.
“The easiest way to dispel suspicion is through transparency. Publish the procurement documents. Publish the invoices. Publish the suppliers. Publish the chassis numbers,” Atiku said. “Public money belongs to the Nigerian people. Every kobo must be accounted for.”
