Nigerians To Tinubu : Reduce The Cost Of Governance Nigerians Are Facing Hardship – Amidst the nation’s economic challenges and calls for citizens to endure further sacrifices, certain expenditures and initiatives by the Federal Government have sparked controversy.
- High Number of Ministers: President Bola Tinubu nominated and appointed a total of 51 ministers, with 48 being cleared by the National Assembly and sworn in. This decision deviates from the recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye Committee, which advocated for the scrapping and merging of government agencies to reduce the cost of governance. Tinubu’s cabinet is now the largest since the restoration of civilian rule in 1999.
- UNGA Hotel Accommodation: During the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York last September, the Federal Government incurred a significant cost of $507,384 (N390.7 million) for hotel accommodation for the government delegation. Additionally, an extra $84,564 (N65.1 million) was allocated for unspecified incidental charges in a memo dated September 11th, 2023, signed by State House Permanent Secretary Adebiyi O. Olufunso. Critics have criticized this lavish spending during a time of economic hardship, considering it excessive and wasteful, surpassing the annual income of many citizens.
The 2023 supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion stirred controversy when it included N5.095 billion for the purchase of a presidential yacht on November 1.
In response to public outrage, the presidency clarified that the naval boat with specialized gadgets, labeled as a Presidential Yacht, was not intended for President Tinubu’s personal use. It was ordered by the navy under the previous administration, and President Tinubu, recognizing the government’s continuity, inherited both assets and liabilities from past administrations.
The presidency explained that the payment request for the boat was part of the committed obligations submitted by the Chief of Naval Staff to the Ministry of Defence. Out of the submitted requests exceeding N200 billion, President Tinubu approved N62 billion.
In the wake of public outcry, the National Assembly reallocated the N5.095 billion Yacht fund to Student Loans. However, controversies persist over the yacht’s fate, given that it is already in the country.
Controversies surrounding federal expenditures and plans have raised concerns, especially in the face of economic challenges. Some of these contentious issues include:
- High Number of Ministers: President Bola Tinubu appointed 48 ministers, creating the largest cabinet since 1999. This move contradicted recommendations to streamline government agencies and cut down on the cost of governance.
- UNGA Hotel Accommodation: The Federal Government spent $507,384 on hotel accommodation during the 78th UNGA session in New York, drawing criticism for lavish spending during economic hardship.
- N5.1bn Presidential Yacht: The inclusion of N5.095 billion for a presidential yacht in the 2023 supplementary budget sparked outrage. The presidency clarified it was ordered by the navy under the previous administration and not for President Tinubu’s personal use.
- N57.6 billion SUVs for NASS Members: Each federal legislator was approved N160 million for a car, totaling N57.6 billion. The Senate defended the allocation amid public outcry.
- N20.5 billion for VP’s Residences: The 2023 supplementary budget included N2.5 billion for renovating the Vice President’s residence in Abuja and N3 billion for the same in Lagos. An additional N15 billion is sought to build a befitting house for the Vice President in Abuja.
- 1,411 COP28 Climate Summit Delegates: Nigeria’s delegation of 1,411 delegates to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai drew criticism. The government claimed to sponsor 422 delegates, a figure deemed excessive.
- N3 Billion for EFCC Quarters: The proposal to spend N3 billion on acquiring, renovating, and rehabilitating EFCC quarters in Guzape and Mabushi raised eyebrows.
These expenditures have fueled public discontent, with citizens calling for more prudent and accountable financial management.
The 2024 Budget Proposal has come under scrutiny for provisions deemed insensitive by citizens. Notable allocations in the Appropriation Bill include:
- Publicity, Welfare, and Medical Expenses: N319.28 billion allocated for the publicity, welfare, and medical needs of the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and the presidency.
- Renovation and Construction: N61.29 billion earmarked for the renovation and construction of buildings.
- Presidential Fleet: N20.52 billion allocated for the Presidential Fleet.
- Foreign Trips: N7.5 billion allocated for foreign trips for the president and vice president.
- State House Operational Vehicles: N6.2 billion earmarked for State House operational vehicles.
- Meals for MDAs: N5.84 billion allocated for meals across MDAs.
Critics argue that such expenditures are unnecessary and fail to address the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians in the midst of economic hardship and rising inflation. The revelations have sparked calls for more responsible fiscal management, emphasizing the need for leadership to prioritize cost-cutting measures that benefit the citizens.
Govt testing the patience of Nigerians
Nigerian citizens expressed their frustration over the growing struggle to afford basic necessities, particularly putting food on their tables. They called on President Ahmed Tinubu to urgently and significantly reduce the cost of governance, emphasizing that the average Nigerian is grappling with hardship. The citizens criticized what they deemed as shameless and wasteful expenditures by the government, highlighting a disconnect between the executive’s actions and the pressing needs of the people.
Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, strongly criticized President Tinubu’s budgetary proposals, stating that they indicate a significant disconnect from the struggles of the Nigerian people. He emphasized that, in the current economic climate, where basic responsibilities like salary payments are a challenge, such extravagant proposals show a lack of regard for the citizens’ sensibilities. Effiong called for the removal of these outrageous budgetary items and suggested redirecting the funds to critical sectors like education and health. He expressed concern that the government’s actions might test the patience of Nigerians, akin to past situations.
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