The Abia State Government has clarified that the ₦1.003 billion expenditure captured in the 2025 Accountant-General’s Report was for the procurement of 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and not two as indicated in the published report.
The clarification followed public concerns over the quantity of vehicles listed on page 401 of the consolidated procurement schedule of the 2025 Accountant-General’s Report.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Tuesday, the state government said the figure “2” in the report was a quantity-entry error resulting from the omission of the digit “1.”
According to the government, the Office of the Accountant-General reviewed the underlying payment records and supporting procurement documents and confirmed that the expenditure amounted to ₦1,003,091,350, covering 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles.
The government said the verified procurement records showed that Ubale Services Enterprises supplied two 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicles at a total cost of ₦177.75 million.
It added that Globe Motors Holdings Ltd supplied five Toyota Hilux D/C A/T Petrol vehicles for ₦412.67 million, while another five Toyota Hilux 4WD D/C vehicles were also supplied by the company at ₦412.67 million.
The total expenditure, according to the government, was therefore ₦1,003,091,350 for the 12 vehicles, representing an average cost of approximately ₦83.59 million per vehicle.
The state government said the suppliers are identifiable corporate entities and that the number, specifications and values of the vehicles supplied could be independently verified through the companies and relevant government records.
It further said the error would be formally corrected through an explanatory note to ensure that the public record accurately reflects the transaction.
The government expressed appreciation to Abians and members of the public for their interest in the publication of the Accountant-General’s Report and their scrutiny of the state’s financial records.
The statement quoted Governor Alex Otti as maintaining that his administration is “not above mistakes,” adding that the government would admit and promptly correct any mistake, omission or typographical error identified in its official publications.
The Abia State Government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources, assuring the public that it would continue to publish its financial records and clarify issues whenever necessary.
