Abuja, Nigeria – February 12, 2026 — The Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected a proposed allocation of N127 million for the purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Presidential Villa, describing the amount as grossly inadequate and incapable of procuring vehicles that meet required security, safety, and diplomatic standards.
The position was articulated during a budget defence session before the Senate Committee on Special Duties on Wednesday, where lawmakers scrutinised the 2026 appropriation proposals for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), which oversees Villa operations and logistics.
Senator Kaka Shehu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, led the criticism, stating that approving such a meagre sum would embarrass Nigeria internationally and undermine the country’s image among the community of nations. He emphasised that the vehicles used for presidential movements, VIP escorts, and the reception of foreign heads of state must be fully armoured, bulletproof, and compliant with global protocol and security specifications.
Senator Shehu acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equity and fiscal responsibility across government institutions, praising the President for ensuring that the Presidential Villa is subjected to the same budgetary scrutiny as other ministries and agencies. He described this approach as “leadership by example” and a demonstration that the “Renewed Hope” agenda remains active and inclusive.
“The renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu is alive. We are happy that even the villa is being treated equally with other ministries. That is leadership by example,” Shehu said. “Convey our deep appreciation to Mr President. We are going to do justice to the budget before us.”
However, he drew a clear line on the proposed SUV allocation, declaring it unacceptable. “I will join my colleague in rejecting N127 million for SUV in the villa. It cannot buy even a bulletproof ‘tokunbo’,” he stated, referring to second-hand imported vehicles commonly known in Nigeria as “tokunbo.” “We must project the image of Nigeria positively in the committee of nations. That is totally unacceptable.”
The senator warned that approving such a figure would risk placing visiting presidents or high-level dignitaries in substandard vehicles at the airport or during official engagements. “We don’t want a situation where a visiting president will use ‘tokunbo’ at the airport. No,” he added. “So the budget office must sit up. When you now send your proposal, you have to do justice to your request not by reducing it to an amount that would end up buying a ‘tokunbo’.”
Other members of the committee echoed the chairman’s concerns, stressing that security considerations must take precedence over cost-cutting in matters involving the President, the First Family, and foreign dignitaries. They argued that presidential and protocol vehicles require advanced ballistic protection, reinforced chassis, run-flat tyres, communication systems, and other specialised features that far exceed the capabilities of ordinary SUVs or second-hand imports.
Lawmakers maintained that while fiscal discipline is important, national dignity, protocol obligations, and the physical safety of the President and visiting leaders cannot be compromised for budgetary optics. They directed the Budget Office of the Federation to revisit and justify the allocation with realistic figures capable of procuring appropriate vehicles that align with international standards.
The rejection of the N127 million proposal is part of a broader review of the 2026 budget estimates, during which the Senate has repeatedly emphasised the need for realistic and adequate funding in critical areas, particularly those tied to national security, protocol, and international representation.
The Presidential Villa, as the official residence and workplace of the President, maintains a fleet of specialised vehicles for daily operations, state functions, airport receptions, and foreign visits. These vehicles are typically sourced from manufacturers known for armoured and high-security models, with costs significantly higher than standard commercial SUVs.
The Senate’s stance reflects a long-standing position that Nigeria’s global standing requires the maintenance of appropriate standards in presidential logistics and protocol. Lawmakers have indicated they will likely propose an upward adjustment to the allocation during the ongoing budget harmonisation process between the two chambers of the National Assembly.
No immediate response has been issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation or the Budget Office regarding the Senate’s position. The budget defence process continues, with further sessions expected to address other aspects of the Villa’s proposed expenditure and operational requirements.
The development underscores the delicate balance the National Assembly is attempting to strike between supporting the administration’s fiscal prudence agenda and ensuring that critical national assets and symbols of sovereignty are adequately resourced.
