The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs issued a directive on 22 October instructing all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) that possess Nissan Patrol four‑wheel‑drive vehicles to keep them in good working order for use by traditional councils within their jurisdictions.
Chief Director Amin Abdul‑Rahaman relayed that the Minister had asked the assemblies to ensure the vehicles were maintained to facilitate the official movements and engagements of traditional authorities. The directive emphasised the importance of traditional councils in local governance, customary administration, dispute resolution, community mobilisation and development, and called for appropriate logistical arrangements to support their official travel.
Assemblies are required to set up administrative arrangements for the vehicles’ use, with agreed scheduling and accountability procedures. They must also budget for routine servicing, insurance and other essential operating costs, following applicable financial and procurement regulations.
The letter expressly prohibits any sale, transfer or disposal of the Nissan Patrols, stating that “no Assembly shall auction, dispose of, transfer or otherwise alienate its existing Nissan Patrol four‑wheel‑drive vehicles.” The vehicles are to be preserved, repaired where necessary and maintained for the intended purpose of facilitating official travel by traditional councils, unless otherwise authorised in writing by the appropriate competent authority in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Ministry has asked all MMDAs to prioritise the matter and ensure that their administrative, transport and finance units take immediate steps to implement the directive. Regional ministers are requested to monitor compliance within their regions, treating the directive as urgent and for immediate compliance.
