In the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, the Federal Government of Nigeria has designated a staggering sum of N13,805,814,220 for the maintenance of former presidents, vice-presidents, heads of state, Chiefs of General Staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Subheading 2: Notable Beneficiaries and Allocation Breakdown
The beneficiaries encompass prominent figures such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof Yemi Osinbajo. The allocation breakdown reveals N2.3 billion for former presidents and heads of state, N10.5 billion for retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and professors, and N1 billion for the severance benefits of retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Subheading 3: Additional Allocations and Expenditure Plans
Beyond the substantial payouts to former leaders, the budget includes N1 trillion for public service wage adjustments, encompassing arrears of promotions, salary increases, and severance benefits. Other notable allocations feature N65 billion for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, N1 billion for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Energy, and N108 billion for unspecified special projects.
Subheading 4: Addressing Debts and Sectoral Allocations
A crucial component of the budget involves allocating N40 billion to settle electricity debts owed by government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to power distribution companies. The sectoral allocation details also highlight substantial funds for various ministries, with the Ministry of Works receiving N521.3 billion, the Ministry of Finance N519.9 billion, and the Ministry of Defence N308.2 billion, among others.
Subheading 5: Minister’s Optimism and Public Reaction
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed optimism that the 2024 budget would usher in a transformative era. Meanwhile, public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the focus on development priorities, while others, including economists and human rights activists, criticize the hefty allocations for former leaders amid economic challenges.
Subheading 6: Calls for Scrutiny and Budgetary Adjustments
Economists, lawyers, and civil society organizations have voiced concerns, asserting that the budget reflects a lack of consideration for the citizens’ plight. Calls are made for the National Assembly to scrutinize and potentially adjust the budget to better serve the needs of the population, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges.
