At a time governments across the world are cutting the cost of governance, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) is setting aside N190 million in the 2024 budget to purchase a Land Cruiser Jeep for its Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha.
The commission is also budgeting N51.51 million for generator fuel and electricity despite claiming to “promote sustainable energy development in Nigeria through the production of strategic plans and coordination of national policies…”
It is also setting aside N260 million for 4 Hilux vehicles for project inspection and monitoring, putting the cost of power and the vehicles at N311.52 million.
The commission is supervised by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji.
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Dr Mustapha was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2023 to replace Prof. Eli Bala as the director-general/chief executive officer of the commission.
The commission’s vision, which can be seen on its X handle, is targeted at “adequate, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy supply for the nation’s economic and socio-political development.”
Questions have arisen as to what happened to the commission’s vehicle for the former CEO and those previously used for project inspection in the commission.
Three text messages sent to a number said to belong to the commission requesting an explanation were not replied.
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Market prices are different
On Jiji.com, the price of a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep is N160 million, according to Economy Post‘s checks. The 2022 model costs N135 million.
On autocheck.com, the 2022 brand costs N108.015 million. Generally, prices of cars and vehicles vary according to their status, year of manufacture, country, among other variables.
Source: Economypost NG