A recent report scrutinizing the breakdown of the 2024 budget passed by the 10th National Assembly (NASS) has revealed startling findings of unknown projects totaling N6.6 trillion.
The report, prompted by allegations of budget padding from suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, highlights the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these allocations. Economic Confidential's analysis indicates that a significant portion of the funds, approximately 71.98%, was allocated to initiatives lacking traceability or facing accountability constraints.
Ministries across various sectors, including Youth, Defence, and Petroleum Resources, have been implicated, with budgeted amounts failing to specify project locations, raising concerns about effective monitoring and utilization of public funds. For instance, the Ministry of Defence earmarked N3,762,721,808,585 for projects across all zones, but locations worth N3,280,130,880,602 were not mentioned.
Microxpressions Consult emphasizes the need for ministries to provide transparent declarations regarding project locations to ensure accountability and prevent misappropriation.
However, reactions from concerned citizens on social media, including accusations of negligence and calls for improved governance, underscore the public's growing demand for greater transparency and oversight in budgetary processes.
