Stop Lavish Spendings Amid Economic Hardship, CISLAC Lashes CBN

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A civil Society Organisation (CSO), Civil Society legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lashed out at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb lavish spending in light of the current economic hardship in the country.

It has also urged the apex bank to play its role in reducing the high cost of governance especially.

The Eagle reports that the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, voiced these concerns in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.

In the statement CISLAC such lavish involved the CBN leadership, including its Governor, Yemi Cardoso and his four deputies.

The organisation ciited reports that over N10 billion was spent on ultra-modern armored vehicles, including six Lexus LX 600 2023 models for Cardoso and his deputies—Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello, and Sani Abdullahi, the economic hardship in the country notwithstanding.

Referencing sources, the CSO alleged that Cardoso procured two additional SUVs for use in Lagos and Abuja, despite the availability of armoured vehicles in the existing convoy. Furthermore, about 20 new Toyota Camry cars were allegedly purchased for CBN management and board members at a rate of N85 million each, it added.

Reports also indicate that the governor and his deputies have significantly increased their annual housing allowances to nearly N1 billion, despite residing in official residences in Abuja’s Maitama district.

Rafsanjani criticised these expenditures as irresponsible, particularly in a time of severe ecnomic hardship confronting Nigerians.
He stressed that such spending exacerbated the country’s financial difficulties, diverting resources from critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

“We must hold ourselves accountable and ensure our government operates efficiently and effectively, focusing on the needs of the people and sustainable development”, Rafsanjani stated emphasising that reducing unnecessary spending is crucial for proper resource allocation.

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CISLAC also highlighted the ongoing alleged misuse of public funds for the purchase of luxury vehicles for government ministries and parastatals, a practice the organisation argues serves only to comfort a few officials at the expense of national interest.
The organisation stressed that public service should be about integrity and responsibility, not a display of wealth.

While CISLAC does not oppose public officials using their private resources to acquire luxury vehicles, it strongly condemns the use of public funds for such purposes.

The organization also criticized the lack of due process in these purchases, noting that inflated figures often accompany them, further straining the economy.

Reflecting on past efforts, CISLAC pointed out that recommendations from a 2012 conference on reducing the cost of governance have largely been ignored, leading to the current situation of unchecked spending even in the midst of economic challenges.
The organisation called for a return to the frugality and discipline seen during the Murtala administration, where public officials used standardized vehicles.

“CISLAC also emphasises the importance of investing in human capital and fostering innovation in governance to drive national progress.

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“CISLAC vows to continue supporting the National and State Assemblies in scrutinizing budget appropriations to eliminate waste, duplication, and mismanagement of public funds.

The centre reiterated that public resources should rather be directed towards addressing the economic hardship facing the country.