Sokoto Approves ₦1.46 Billion for Governor’s Bulletproof Vehicles Amid Bandits Killing Thousands

The Sokoto State Government has approved over ₦1.46 billion for the purchase of bulletproof SUVs and other official vehicles for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s office, a decision that is drawing sharp criticism amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the state.

The approval came during a State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday as part of a broader ₦7.5 billion package of contracts. The vehicle procurement includes three bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, two 2025 Toyota Prado SUVs, and a Coaster bus for official government operations.

State Commissioner for Transport Bala Kokani told journalists the approvals were part of efforts to improve government operations and service delivery. But the timing has sparked outrage among Nigerians already struggling with inflation, high food prices, and rising fuel costs.

Security concerns

The decision is particularly sensitive given Sokoto’s security situation. The state remains one of the worst-hit by banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest, with recent attacks in communities like Jikamshi and Gwalgoro killing dozens of residents.

Critics are asking why the government is prioritizing luxury vehicles for officials when communities are under attack and thousands have been displaced by violence. The bulletproof specification suggests legitimate security concerns, but the scale of spending has raised eyebrows.

Beyond the governor’s vehicles, the executive council approved several other projects including ₦2.2 billion for rehabilitating 36 roads across the state, ₦1.079 billion for renovating the NYSC orientation camp in Wamako, and ₦438 million for six buses for the Sokoto State Transport Authority.

Other approvals

The council also approved ₦894.68 million for the Airport Road and Protocol Lodge project, ₦733.27 million for renovating the International Conference Centre in Kasarawa, ₦340.5 million for two payloaders for waste evacuation, and ₦398.63 million for fencing and development at the Livestock Services Centre in Wamako.

Officials say the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, transportation, environmental sanitation, and improved public service delivery.

Public reaction

Online reactions have been sharply critical. Many Nigerians see the spending as tone-deaf at a time when ordinary citizens are cutting back on essentials due to economic pressure.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who assumed office in 2023, has repeatedly promised to improve security and development across Sokoto State. The vehicle approval is likely to intensify conversations around government spending priorities as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.

For now, the state government maintains that the purchases are necessary for official operations. But in a country where poverty rates remain stubbornly high and insecurity continues to claim lives, the optics are difficult to defend.

Sources: Pulse Nigeria, The Whistler, Daily Trust, SolaceBase, The Leader