By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Civil Society legislative and advocacy centre (CISLAC) has issued a strong call to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb extravagant spending and reduce the high cost of governance, especially in light of the economic challenges currently facing the country.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Transparency International Nigeria, voiced these concerns in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The statement added Amidst Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with hunger, rising inflation, and widespread hardship, CISLAC has condemned the recent reports of lavish spending by CBN leadership, including Governor Yemi Cardoso and his four deputies.
The organization expressed alarm over reports that over N10 billion was spent on ultra-modern armored vehicles, including six Lexus LX 600 2023 models for Cardoso and his deputies—Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello, and Sani Abdullahi.
According to sources, Cardoso procured two additional SUVs for use in Lagos and Abuja, despite the availability of armored vehicles in the existing convoy. Furthermore, about 20 new Toyota Camry cars were allegedly purchased for CBN management and board members at a rate of N85 million each. Reports also indicate that the governor and his deputies have significantly increased their annual housing allowances to nearly N1 billion, despite residing in official residences in Abuja’s Maitama district.
Rafsanjani criticized these expenditures as irresponsible, particularly in a time of severe socio-economic challenges. He stressed that such spending exacerbates the country’s financial difficulties, diverting resources from critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
“We must hold ourselves accountable and ensure our government operates efficiently and effectively, focusing on the needs of the people and sustainable development,” Rafsanjani stated. He emphasized that reducing unnecessary spending is crucial for proper resource allocation, calling for an end to ostentatious living by public officials.
CISLAC also highlighted the ongoing misuse of public funds for the purchase of luxury vehicles for government ministries and parastatals, a practice the organization argues serves only to comfort a few officials at the expense of national interest. The organization stressed that public service should be about integrity and responsibility, not a display of wealth.
While CISLAC does not oppose public officials using their private resources to acquire luxury vehicles, it strongly condemns the use of public funds for such purposes.The organization also criticized the lack of due process in these purchases, noting that inflated figures often accompany them, further straining the economy.
Reflecting on past efforts, CISLAC pointed out that recommendations from a 2012 conference on reducing the cost of governance have largely been ignored, leading to the current situation of unchecked spending. The organization called for a return to the frugality and discipline seen during the Murtala administration, where public officials used standardized vehicles.
The statement further explained that CISLAC advocated for the promotion of locally made and assembled vehicles to reduce dependency on imported cars and support the domestic economy.
“CISLAC also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and fostering innovation in governance to drive national progress.
“CISLAC vowed to continue supporting the National and State Assemblies in scrutinizing budget appropriations to eliminate waste, duplication, and mismanagement of public funds.
The centre reiterated that public resources should be directed towards addressing Nigeria’s most urgent needs, rather than being squandered on lavish lifestyles and unnecessary expenditures.
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