Abia spent N1bn on 12 vehicles, not N2bn – Commissioner

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The Abia State Government says it spent ₦1,003,091,350 on the purchase of 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles, not two.

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According to a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Wednesday, the discrepancy was due to “a quantity-entry error in the published 2025 Accountant-General’s Report.”

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The statement said, “Following a review of the underlying payment records and supporting procurement documents, the Office of the Accountant-General has confirmed that the expenditure of approximately ₦1,003,091,350.00 relates to the procurement of Twelve Toyota Hilux vehicles – not two.

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“The figure ‘2’ that appeared on page 401 of the consolidated schedule resulted from the omission of the digit ‘1’. It did not reflect the actual number of vehicles purchased.”

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The verified payment schedule totals ₦1,003,091,350, which the state government said represents an average cost of approximately ₦83.59m per vehicle.

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The schedule was tabulated as follows: “Ubale Services Enterprises, 2024 Toyota Hilux 2nos =177,750,000.00, Globe Motors Holdings Ltd Toyota Hilux D/C A/T Petrol 5nos = 412,670,000.00, Globe Motors Holdings Ltd Toyota Hilux 4WD D/C 5nos = 412,670,000.00, Total: 12nos = 1,003,091,350.00”.

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The statement explained further, “the suppliers listed above are identifiable corporate entities. The number, specifications and value of the vehicles supplied can be independently verified from the companies and from the appropriate government records”.

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The Abia State Government appreciated Abians and members of the public for taking keen interest in the state’s publication of the Accountant-General’s Report, stating, “we value your feedback and active scrutiny”.

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The statement said Governor Alex Otti had always maintained that his government was not above mistakes and that the Abia State Government would not hesitate to admit any mistake, omission or typographical error made in the course of its official publications and make corrections promptly in the interest of transparency, if necessary.

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“In line with this commitment to open government, the identified reporting error will be formally corrected, with an explanatory note issued to ensure that the public record accurately reflects the transaction.

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“This administration remains committed to transparency, accountability and the responsible management of public resources. We will continue to publish our financial records and clarify issues promptly whenever the need arises,” the statement further read.

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