The Nigeria Customs Service has proposed spending N14.39 billion on luxury vehicles for senior officers in 2025, forming a significant part of its total N35.27 billion budget for 579 official vehicles. According to the appropriation bill reviewed by Podium Reporters, the bulk of these vehicles will be allocated to high-ranking officials such as Comptrollers, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, and Deputy Comptroller-Generals.
The planned purchases include high-end models from brands like BYD hybrids, CHANGAN, MAXUS D90, NISSAN MG5, MIKANO, and NORD. Notable allocations are 20 CHANGAN CS95 SUVs for ACGs at N68 million each, 15 MAXUS D90 SUVs for DCGs at N70 million each, and 20 QIN BYD Hybrid sedans for ACGs at N65 million each.
Additionally, 15 HAN BYD Hybrid sedans for DCGs and 180 sedans for Comptrollers, including NORD C3, MIKANO CHAGGAN EADO, and NISSAN MG5 models, are included in the plan. The budget also covers trucks and buses for operational use.
This expenditure has sparked criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the funds could be better utilized given Nigeria’s economic difficulties. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the service’s seizure of 397 vehicles worth N5.64 billion in 2024, as part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect local industries.
Anti-corruption advocates, including Transparency and Accountability Group and Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, suggest that the impounded vehicles could be refurbished to meet the service’s needs instead of purchasing new luxury cars.
Ayo Ologun of TAG criticized the budget, saying, “Customs waste revenue through extravagant vehicle purchases despite having seized vehicles that could be used after minor repairs.”
Debo Adediran of CAROL described the procurement as “obscene opulence,” emphasizing the need for government empathy towards citizens facing economic hardships.