- Lavish Convoys: Governors maintain large convoys with expensive vehicles.
- Fuel Costs: Taxpayers are footing the bill for massive fuel consumption.
- Public Outcry: Citizens express anger over the governors’ insensitivity.
- Contradictory Actions: Despite calls for austerity, some governors maintain large retinues of aides.
Convoys That Cost a Fortune
Despite the economic crisis, some Nigerian governors continue to maintain extravagant convoys. These convoys, often consisting of the latest models of luxury SUVs, are a blatant display of opulence. The irony isn’t lost on the average Nigerian who is facing increasing economic hardship. It begs the question: Where are the governors’ priorities?
The Fuel Guzzling Machines
Let’s break down some of the numbers. The price of fuel in Nigeria is not cheap, and when you have convoys made up of numerous SUVs with large fuel tanks, you start to see some serious expenses. For example, a brand new Chevrolet Jeep can cost between $35,000 and $70,000. Filling up its 81-liter tank at N1,050 per liter costs a staggering N85,000! This is just one car in a convoy of, often, more than 10 vehicles. The fuel bill for just one trip can exceed N1.1 million. Imagine that daily!
The cost for these convoys is passed onto the people. While millions struggle to afford basic necessities, their taxes are used to fuel the extravagant lifestyles of some state officials.
Specific Examples of Extravagance
Nasarawa: The 15-Vehicle Fleet
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State reportedly has a convoy of 15 vehicles, including Chevrolet Jeeps, Lexus, Toyota Land Cruisers, and Prado models. Residents are shocked and angered by this extravagant display, especially when many struggle to afford basic needs.
Adamawa: A Fleet of Prados
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, also maintains a convoy of 15 vehicles, including six brand new Toyota Prado SUVs. With tank capacities ranging from 87 to 150 liters, these vehicles can guzzle N91,350 to N157,500 worth of fuel per fill-up. And it doesn’t end there; the governor also has an army of over 80 aides.
Zamfara: The BMW That Broke The Bank
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, uses a 2025 BMW 760i series, valued at a jaw-dropping N197,807,247.76. This vehicle alone consumes about N78,000 in fuel per fill-up. When you include the other 13 vehicles in his convoy, the costs start to skyrocket.
Delta, Plateau, Katsina, Lagos, Osun, Borno, Ogun, Kano, Sokoto, Ondo, Ekiti, Benue, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Gombe, Kwara, Yobe, Taraba, Cross River, Ebonyi
The pattern continues across several other states, each with their own outrageous examples of wasteful spending. From Lexus SUVs and Range Rovers to the sheer number of vehicles per convoy, these examples highlight the disconnect between public service and lavish living.
For instance, the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oboreveori, has over 15 cars in his convoy, including a Lexus SUV, while Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, rides a 2021 Lexus LX 570 and moves in not less than an 11-vehicle convoy. These costs add up and are ultimately borne by the people.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here is a breakdown of some of the extravagant spending that state governments have been engaging in, while the common man is suffering:
| State | Expenditure |
|---|---|
| Osun | N527m on refreshments and meals (January to September 2024) |
| Kwara | N922m on presidential lodge and guest chalets |
| Yobe | N2.6bn on honorarium and refreshments |
| Taraba | N2.6bn on office furniture and fittings |
| Cross River | N5.5bn on the procurement of vehicles |
| Ebonyi | N1.1bn on wildlife conservation (without a public zoo) |
What Needs To Change?
It’s time for Nigerian governors to start prioritizing the needs of their constituents over their own lavish lifestyles.
- Reduce the size of convoys.
- Cut down on wasteful spending.
- Focus on using public funds to better the lives of everyday citizens.
The economic crisis calls for leaders who lead by example, not those who flaunt wealth in the face of widespread poverty.
Conclusion
The extravagance of some Nigerian governors, particularly their use of lavish convoys, is a slap in the face to the people they are meant to serve. As ordinary Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, these leaders continue to live in opulence, raising serious concerns about their priorities. The time for change is now.
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