The Abia State 2 No Hilux Purchase Is a Pure Typo in the 2024 Budget

Great observation by SH that Abia budgeted N1.5B for two Hilux. But if you look at that data, you will notice that it was a pure typo. They listed Hilux purchases many times and the prices are consistent with normal market value, except the one that SH noted. You cannot buy one car on a budget for N750m and N15m in the same budget report. 

Calculate the total expenses for Vehicles and you will see that the 2 no Hilux was a typo; that was not a car line. The state should fix that typo. This is the file, search Hilux and check all places it is mentioned, check the numbers. Then add all the car, you will see that line was a typo https://abiastate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ABIA-STATE-2024-APPROVED-ESTIMATES.pdf 

Yet, this shows why governments should be thorough especially when transparency is the new game. We must commend SH for taking time to look into these numbers. It should be commended as that is how we can build a nation. Abia publishes its master budget file to the last Kobo. Of course, the real deal will be reconciling budget with actual expense; I am very confident that Abia will pay a normal rate for Hilux. 

Also, besides Hilux, Abia is buying Innoson Motors. In that master file, you will see many Innoson vehicles. The challenge is that Innoson lead time is long for some security operational vehicles. When I visited home during Christmas, all the commissioners I met in Abia State used Innoson Motors. 

The rumour that Abia does not buy local should be modulated; it buys local but for security vehicles, it cannot wait for ages. In short, the Nigerian government is also buying local; I have seen the data. The challenge remains that lead time from local car markers can run into months. This contrasts with Japanese firms which can “produce” 5m cars waiting for buyers. 

I am just a citizen; I do not work for any government. I looked at the same data as SH, and made these points. Many asked me to comment, I have done just that. This is a pure typo but that does not mean we should celebrate mistakes in budgets.