The Nigerian Senate, amidst allocating substantial funds for seemingly extravagant projects such as a N4 billion recreation center and N3 billion for car parks, has pledged to ensure the prudent utilization of allocations.
This assurance comes in the midst of mounting concerns over the country’s rising debt and persistent security challenges.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Mohammed Monguno, conveyed the Senate’s acknowledgment of the distress felt by Nigerians due to the prevailing insecurity across the nation. Despite the Senate’s emphasis on addressing these security concerns through significant budget allocations, recent revelations about extravagant spending have drawn criticism from the public.
While emphasizing the government’s primary responsibility to provide security to citizens, Senator Monguno highlighted the substantial allocation to the security sector in the 2024 Appropriations Act. However, the juxtaposition of allocating billions for luxury projects like a recreation center and car parks amidst pressing security challenges and a soaring national debt has sparked outrage among Nigerians.
A Civil Society Organisation, Enough is Enough, reported approximately 245 kidnapping cases in January 2024, with kidnappers demanding over N6 billion in ransoms. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and prudent allocation of resources to address the escalating insecurity plaguing various regions of the country.
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Furthermore, the revelation of allocating N4 billion for a recreation center and N3 billion for car parks, despite the nation’s financial constraints, has raised questions about the Senate’s priorities. However, Senator Monguno has vowed that the National Assembly will intensify its oversight functions to ensure the judicious utilization of these funds for the benefit of Nigerians.
