The Civil Society legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), one of the leading civil advocacy groups committed to financial prudence in Nigeria’s public finance system, has called on the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb extravagant spending in the face of the current economic whirlwinds in the country.
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, who made this call in a statement on Sunday, condemned the recent allegation of lavish spending by apex bank’s management, including Governor Yemi Cardoso and his four deputies, on bullet-proof SUV cars, especially when ordinary Nigerians are contending with hunger, rising poverty, and other socioeconomic hardships.
The civil activist expressed serious concern 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, namely Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello, and Sani Abdullahi.
Rafsanjani described the expenditures as irresponsible, particularly at a time of severe socio-economic challenges, stressing that such spending is exacerbating the country’s financial difficulties, and denying critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure adequate funding.
He stated: “We must hold ourselves accountable and ensure our government operates efficiently and effectively, focusing on the needs of the people and sustainable development.”
While pointing out that reducing unnecessary spending is crucial for proper resource allocation, the civil society advocate, who is also the Executive Director of Transparency International, canvassed the need to end ostentatious living by public officials.
He also lamented the current level of profligacy in the public finance system which, he pointed out, was only ensuring comfort for a few officials at the expense of national interest.
While stressing that the CSO does not oppose public officials using their private resources to acquire luxury vehicles, Rafsanjani strongly condemned the use of public funds for such purposes, especially when those expenditures lacked due process.
Reflecting on past efforts to ensure prudence in the public finance system, the CISLAC’s boss recalled the recommendations from a 2012 conference on reducing the cost of governance and called for a return to an era of fiscal discipline as was witnessed during the Murtala administration where public officials used standardized vehicles.
He further stated: “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”, Rafsanjani added.
Some news reports in the past few days indicated that Cardoso procured two additional SUVs for use in Lagos and Abuja, despite the availability of armored vehicles in the existing convoy.
Also, the reports reflected that about 20 new Toyota Camry cars were allegedly purchased for the apex bank’s management and board members at a rate of N85 million each just as the CBN governor and his deputies were alleged to have increased their annual housing allowances to nearly N1 billion, despite living in official residences in Abuja.
