Concerns Raised Over Transparency in Allocation of N47.5 Billion for School Renovations
SaharaReporters previously disclosed that Senator Abdul Ningi, who is currently suspended, alleged two weeks ago that the Senate leadership inflated the 2024 budget by N3.7 trillion. As scrutiny into the alleged padding of the 2024 budget by the National Assembly continues, it has been revealed that N47.5 billion was earmarked in the Ministry of Education’s budget for the renovation and provision of learning materials in 50 schools nationwide.
The specific locations of these schools were not disclosed in the budget document. Senator Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Bauchi Central, had accused the Senate leadership under Godswill Akpabio and the presidency of padding the budget being implemented, claiming that it differed from the one passed by the National Assembly.
Page 377 of the 2024 Appropriation Act, under the Federal Ministry of Education line item ERGP20243999, indicates that N47.5 billion was allocated to “fifty selected Government Secondary Schools Across the Nation for infrastructure upgrade and provision of Education materials and teaching tools.”
Arise News TV anchor Oseni Rufai, who shared the budget document on his social media handle, questioned whether this allocation substantiated some of the concerns raised by Senator Ningi regarding the budget currently being implemented by the federal government.
In response to these revelations, some Nigerians on social media expressed dismay at the alleged dishonest and illegal activities within the government. @FACT_UNDISPUTED lamented that corruption and embezzlement of public funds have become rampant among Nigerian politicians, noting that the populace has adapted to the hardships caused by such actions.
@SamuelUzuegbu highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in government spending, especially regarding the allocation of N47.5 billion for school renovations without disclosing the locations. Similarly, @advocatepubli emphasized the importance of efficient and transparent use of funds allocated for education sector projects to ensure they have the intended impact on the quality of education and learning environment in schools across Nigeria.
Sahara Reporters
