Budget Increase Sparks Outrage
BudgIT Nigeria has revealed that the National Assembly (NASS) significantly increased the budget of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, from an initial N368 million to N42.7 billion. This drastic adjustment, which was disclosed on BudgIT’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, has drawn criticism and raised questions about transparency in the budgetary process.
Civic Group Demands Accountability
In its public statement, BudgIT questioned the integrity of the budget process, saying: “The Federal College of Horticulture proposed N368 million, but NASS approved N42.7 billion. A difference of N42 billion! How can this be justified in a country burdened by debt servicing?” The organisation urged authorities to act with integrity, emphasising that such budgetary excesses undermine fiscal discipline.
Previous Budgetary Irregularities Highlighted
This revelation is not an isolated case. BudgIT recently exposed similar irregularities, including the addition of 182 projects worth N45.36 billion to the 2024 budget of the Federal Co-operative College, Ibadan, which initially proposed only N1.5 billion. BudgIT argues that these additions reflect systemic budgetary manipulation by NASS, calling for urgent reforms.
Unrelated Projects Draw Criticism
Further fuelling concerns, BudgIT pointed to an N80 million allocation in the 2024 budget of the National Space Research Development Agency for a project labelled ‘Pregnancy Sensitisation,’ which falls outside the agency’s mandate. The civic group warned that such projects compromise the efficiency and focus of federal agencies, diverting resources from essential activities.
Nation’s Debt Burden in Focus
The group criticised the pattern of budgetary insertions, highlighting that these actions are particularly alarming given Nigeria’s high debt servicing ratio. “For a nation struggling with loans, such budget manipulations are reckless,” BudgIT added. The group is advocating for better fiscal management and an end to unaccountable spending.
Public Calls for Financial Oversight
As public concern grows, stakeholders are calling on the government to enhance budgetary oversight. Analysts warn that without reforms, the lack of transparency in public spending could further erode trust in governance and worsen Nigeria’s economic challenges.
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