The 2024 Federal Government budget has come under scrutiny following revelations of serious misallocations across several Zonal Constituency Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
Concerns over fiscal accountability and transparency have been raised as funds designated for specific constituencies appear to have been diverted to unrelated government agencies.
According to Tracka, an accountability organization monitoring public projects, significant discrepancies have been uncovered.
For instance, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission was allocated a hefty N100 million for empowerment materials including sewing and grinding machines, purportedly for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State.
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This allocation has sparked questions due to its divergence from the intended local development projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure within the constituency.
Similarly, the National Mathematical Centre received N163 million for the provision of three-in-one solar street lights in various communities within Ezza North/Isihe Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. This allocation, originally meant to bolster local infrastructure, has been criticized for its misapplication.
Further instances of misallocations include the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) in Zaria, which received N100 million for the provision of tricycles (Keke Napep) in Borno South Senatorial District, Borno State, a stark deviation from its designated purpose.
Moreover, the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research was allocated N50 million for the construction of classrooms in Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Cross River State, which was not aligned with its intended use.
The discrepancies continue with allocations such as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) budgeting for comprehensive medical outreach in Awe, Doma, and Keana Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, instead of its mandated activities.
In a related concern, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) received N100 million for agricultural empowerment in Kwande/Ushongo LGA, Benue State, which was originally intended for women and youth empowerment initiatives. Similarly, the Nigerian Army was allocated N80 million for a solar-powered borehole in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, which was meant for local infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the National Lottery Trust received N125 million for ICT centres in Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, and the National Space Research and Development Agency Development received N95 million for solar street lights in Katsina Central Senatorial District, both facing scrutiny over improper allocations.
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