Abia Govt Clarifies Hilux Purchase, Says N1.003bn Was For 12 Vehicles, Not 2

The Abia State Government has clarified that the N1,003,091,350 expenditure captured in the 2025 Accountant-General’s Report was for 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles and not two.

In a public clarification signed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government said the figure “2” that appeared on page 401 of the report was a quantity-entry error resulting from the omission of the digit “1”.

According to the commissioner, a review of payment records and procurement documents confirmed the purchase of 12 vehicles at an average cost of about N83.59 million per unit.

The breakdown showed that 2 units of 2024 Toyota Hilux were procured from Ubale Services Enterprises for N177,750,000, while 10 units of Toyota Hilux 4WD Double Cabin were supplied by Globe Motors Holdings Ltd for N825,340,000 – five units at N412,670,000 each.

The suppliers, the government noted, are identifiable corporate entities and the number, specifications and value of the vehicles can be independently verified.

The statement added that Governor Alex Otti has always maintained that his administration is not above mistakes and will promptly admit and correct any error in the interest of transparency.

“In line with this commitment to open government, the identified reporting error will be formally corrected, with an explanatory note issued to ensure that the public record accurately reflects the transaction,” the statement said.

The government thanked Abians for their interest and scrutiny of its financial publications and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.