Nigerians React As Some Details Of 2024 Budget Emerge

Some of the details of the 2024 budget causing reactions amongst Nigerians include over 2,558 projects that are worth ₦624 billion.

Tracka, in a statement on Monday, said most agencies of the federal government allocated millions and billions of naira for projects that are not within their mandates.

Recall that Naija News had reported that Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) allocated ₦5 billion for the procurement and distribution of official vehicles to selected traditional rulers in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, in the 2024 budget.

Among such agencies include Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research which allocated ₦2.3 billion for the construction of (3.5km) Methodist Church Ibu to The Eri River, in Ogun State.

Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research also allocated ₦2.3 billion for the reconstruction of (3.35km) Adesanolu Road, Mowe, Obafemi Owode local government area, in Ogun State.

The National Cereals Research Institute allocated ₦1.5 billion for road construction for easy movement of farm produce in three communities in South West (lots 1-3).

The Federal Ministry of Sports Development allocated ₦400 million for provision of all-in-one solar street lights in various facilities and communities within Imo North Senatorial District, in Imo State.

The Nigeria Army allocated ₦200 million for repair and asphaltic overlay of selected roads in Agaje/Lapai federal constituency of Niger State.

The National Space Research and Development Agency allocated ₦100 million for provision of medical outreach in Shira/Giade local government area of Bauchi State.

National Space Research and Development Agency also allocated ₦163 million for provision of comprehensive medical outreach to vulnerable men, women, and children in Awe, Doma, Keana federal constituency of Nasarawa State.

The National Lottery Trust allocated ₦125 million for construction and equipping of ICT Centers in selected secondary schools in Delta Central Senatorial District, in Delta State.

The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission allocated ₦100 million for supply of empowerment materials (sewing machines and grinding machines) for women and youths in Ogbaru federal constituency, Anambra State.

The National Mathematical Center allocated ₦163 million for provision of three-in-one solar street lights in various communities in Ezza North/Ishielu federal constituency, Ebonyi State.

Some Nigerians on social media decried the details of the budget. Kalu Aja, a financial expert, said most of the agencies and SEMDAN have no reason to sponsor road construction and purchase vehicles for traditional rulers, as listed in the 2024 budget.

Aja said, “The job of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is to “foster growth and development of Nano, Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria.”

“But here they are taking taxpayers’ money to purchase cars for traditional rulers in Nigeria. SMEDAN has a spending problem.

Another X user, Olumide Adesina (@olumidecapital), said that “misplaced allocations” showed lack of fiscal accountability. “Fiscal discipline can’t be hidden, it’s the benchmark for accountability,” Olumide added.

For Babtunde Alimi (@tundealimi) National Assembly members may be responsible for misplaced allocations. Alimi said, “NASS is the suspect here. Virtually all the amounts are round figures and many of the projects, ambiguous with no definite number…rural roads, medical outreach etc.”