Nigeria’s Housing Ministry Spends ₦148million On Single Toyota Prado Amid Alleged Fund Constraints
28th April, 2026 | News
Outrage Over ₦148.6 Million SUV Purchase by Housing Ministry Amidst Fiscal Crisis
ABUJA — Fresh controversy has erupted over public expenditure in Nigeria as records reveal the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development spent ₦148.6 million on a single 2023 Toyota Prado SUV. The purchase comes at a time when several critical government departments are reporting a near-total lack of funding for infrastructure and healthcare projects.
The payment, dated March 30, 2026, was made to Lanre Shittu Motors Nigeria Limited for the supply of one “Toyota Prado VX 2023 automatic transmission” destined for the Federal Public Asset Maintenance Department.
A Stark Contrast in Funding
The ministry’s luxury vehicle procurement highlights a glaring disparity in how government funds are being distributed:
- Healthcare Deficit: In February, Health Minister Ali Pate revealed a staggering shortfall in medical funding. Out of a ₦218 billion appropriated capital budget for 2025, the Ministry of Health received a mere ₦36 million—less than a quarter of the cost of the Housing Ministry’s new SUV.
- Stalled Projects: Minister Pate noted that the “bottom-up cash planning system” and delays in counterpart funding have stalled essential healthcare initiatives across the country.
Borrowing to Bridge the Gap
The expenditure coincides with the Federal Government’s aggressive pursuit of external loans to manage a widening budget deficit:
- $6 Billion Request: In March 2026, President Bola Tinubu requested Senate approval for $6 billion in external loans (approx. ₦9 trillion to ₦9.6 trillion). This includes a $5 billion request from Abu Dhabi Bank to meet debt obligations and finance the national budget.
- World Bank Support: This follows a $1 billion Development Policy Financing loan approved by the World Bank in late 2025 aimed at accelerating jobs and investment.
Expanding the “State House” Fleet
The Housing Ministry’s purchase is part of a broader trend of high-end vehicle spending within the current administration. Budget proposals for 2026 suggest the Presidency intends to spend ₦3.3 billion on vehicle-related costs, including:
| Allocation | Purpose |
| ₦2.5 Billion | State House operational vehicles |
| ₦758 Million | Replacement of existing SUVs |
| ₦115 Million | Specialized tires for bullet-proof and utility vehicles |
As the nation grapples with debt and infrastructure decay, the decision to prioritize high-cost vehicle procurement over essential services continues to draw sharp criticism from civic groups and the Nigerian public.