Plateau Gov’t deny claims of excessive spending on official vehicles

The Plateau State Government has vehemently denied allegations that it allocated 47% of its capital expenditure budget to procure official vehicles, dismissing the claim as a “gross misrepresentation.”

It would be recalled that a recent online report had sparked concerns among citizens, stating that the government spent N3.9 billion on official vehicles in the first quarter of 2024, amounting to nearly half of the total budget for the year.

The State Commissioner of Information and Communication Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, in a press statement signed and issued in Jos on Thursday, set the record straight, revealing that the actual allocation for official vehicles represents a mere 2.5% of the total budget.

Ashoms explained that the current administration inherited a lack of functional vehicles from the previous government, necessitating the procurement of new ones to ensure efficient operation and service delivery.

The government also cited the economic challenges of high inflation and a surge in the exchange rate, which significantly impacted the cost of procuring vehicles.

Ashoms emphasized that the state’s capital expenditure budget prioritizes critical projects, including infrastructure development, healthcare, and education, in addition to the necessary allocation for official vehicles.

He disclosed that Governor Mutfwang administration has reaffirmed its commitment to the people of the State to be responsible financial management, transparency, and accountability, encouraging citizens to review official documents for accurate information.

The statement urged media organizations to verify facts and provide balanced reporting to avoid spreading misinformation.

He added that clarification became necessary to address the misconceptions and provide a accurate understanding of the government’s financial management and priorities.