By State House: N244M on Tyres Amidst Hardship
State House: N244 Million on Tyres Amidst Hardship During Tinubu Administration
The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, reportedly spent N244,654,350 on bulletproof tyres. The State House in Abuja processed this payment. This spending has been questioned, especially since it happened in one day before the President’s anniversary. This allocation has caused public discussion, given the economic problems many Nigerians face.
Details of the Expenditure
Records show two payments were for buying and delivering bulletproof tyres. Another purchase was for five armored bulletproof tyres from Obi-Wealth Enterprises Nigeria Limited (RC-640684). This company is listed as inactive on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal. Using an inactive company raises concerns about proper procedures and openness in the buying process.
Hyundai & Fay Investments Limited supplied an unknown amount of Westlake tyres (315/80R22) for N6,000,960. The exact amount is unclear. This adds to the lack of openness. It is hard to judge the value for money and if the expense was justified.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Attempts to get comments from the presidency about the tyre expenses failed. Efforts to reach the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, were not answered. This lack of communication increases concerns about openness and accountability. The silence from officials increases public questioning and demands for more openness.
This spending has started a debate about the government’s priorities. Nigeria is facing rising inflation, more unemployment, and increasing poverty. Many people struggle to buy basic needs. So, spending money on bulletproof tyres seems uncaring. The timing, just before the President’s anniversary, has increased criticism. According to a report by the Punch, the State House reportedly spent N244 million on tyres in one day. This raises concerns about careful spending during a time of economic hardship in Nigeria. [1]
Public Reaction and Concerns
Spending such a large amount on bulletproof tyres, especially quickly, has been heavily criticized. Civil society groups and opposition parties argue that this money could have been better used. It could have addressed important issues like healthcare, education, or infrastructure. Investing in these areas would likely help ordinary Nigerians more directly.
Also, the lack of clarity about the buying process makes the issue worse. Details about choosing suppliers and why bulletproof tyres were prioritized are unclear. This lack of openness in government spending has been a long-term concern in Nigeria. This event increases calls for more accountability and openness in managing public money. People want the government to explain its spending decisions.
Experts suggest that a complete and independent audit of the State House’s spending is important. This audit would help ensure that resources are being used well. It would also ensure that buying processes follow rules and best practices. The involvement of inactive companies, like Obi-Wealth Enterprises Nigeria Limited, also raises serious concerns. It needs further investigation to check the buying process and prevent misuse of funds.
Conclusion
The allocation of N244 million for bulletproof tyres by the State House during economic hardship has caused public anger. It has raised serious questions about government priorities and openness. The lack of clear reason for the spending and the use of an inactive company in the buying process require immediate investigation and more accountability. A complete audit of the State House’s finances is needed to ensure public funds are used responsibly.
