The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Yemi Cardoso, and four deputy governors have reportedly procured six armored Lexus LX 600 2023 worth N10 billion for themselves, few weeks after president Bola Tinubu took delivery of new private jet and capping it with a Yacht.
The procurements is coming at a time the country and its citizens are facing the worst economic crisis ever witnessed since independence.
It was also gathered that the CBN governor and his deputies approved an annual housing allowances of about N1 billion naira for themselves despite occupying a CBN funded residences in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a report by Daily Nigeria, Mr Cardoso and his deputies have been upgraded to fly first class in all international travels at a time a first class ticket from Abuja to New York costs about 15,000 dollars.
The report further stated that the governor approved for himself and his deputies foreign travel allowances of 7,000 dollars per night.
The deputy governors; Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello and Sani Abdullahi, was said to have taken delivery of one armored SUVs each, barely a year of their appointment, while Cardoso got two SUVs, to be used in Lagos and Abuja.
The latest round of lavish purchases were made in spite of the fact that Cardoso and his deputies already have armored vehicles in their convoy.
Mr Cardoso also bought about 20 latest Toyota Camry cars at the rate of N85m for the CBN management and the board members.
According to brand specifications for the SUVs “The LX 600 is aimed more at the rich and famous looking for protection and includes a host of features that turn their trucks into luxurious bunkers.
“The vehicle has been fully armored to take shots from a 7.62mm rifle and has been certified to be able to withstand simultaneous blasts from two hand grenades.
“Along with the ballistic bodywork and glass, the vehicle is equipped with protection for its engine, cargo area and fuel tank. It rides on a beefed-up suspension to handle the extra weight and run-flat tires to keep it moving under all circumstances,” the website said.
Options include a siren, fire suppression system, night vision cameras and escape hatches in case it is rolled or otherwise disabled.
According to the experts, the standard LX 600, with its 409 hp turbocharged V6 and 4×4 drivetrain, starts at $88,245, while the armored versions cost well over $200,000, depending on the configuration.
