Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for 2023, has pledged to never back down from voicing his serious concerns over the 2024 budget, pointing out its crucial significance to people’s lives in general and the impoverished in particular.
Obi claimed, in a statement released on Tuesday through X, that the budget’s many drawbacks would have a significant impact on both the growth of the country and the welfare of its people.
“It’s clear that several budget items don’t fit with our actual situation, thus a review and proper implementation are needed immediately. The nation’s well-being depends on allocating our limited resources to high-priority areas of need,” according to Obi.
“It is evident that there are items in the budget that do not align with our current circumstances, and it is imperative to call for a review and appropriate virement. Allocating our scarce resources to high-priority areas of need is essential for the well-being of the nation,” Obi reiterated.
Obi objected to several specific budgetary allotments, stating that “It is unacceptable to allocate N15 billion for the National Assembly hospital alone, especially considering that this amount is five times larger than The National Hospital’s budgetary allotment or the combined capital vote of our six major teaching hospitals nationwide.”
The University College Hospital in Ibadan, the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, the Jos University Teaching Hospital, and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital were among the teaching hospitals he listed.
“This disparity reflects a low level of care for the rest of society,” Obi asserted.
He also criticised the N15.3 billion allocation for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library.
“Justifying a budgetary allocation of N15.3 billion for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library, in a country without a National Library is very disappointing.
“The National Library has been under construction for the past 20 years, and its budgetary allocation for 2024 is less than 1B Naira, which makes the National Assembly Library budget 15 times more,” Obi wrote.
In addition, Obi voiced his displeasure about the N10 billion allotted to the National Assembly Recreation Center and the parking lots of the Senate and House of Representatives, while the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation received less funding.
“Allocating N10 billion for the Senate’s and House of Representatives’ car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre, while allocating less to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is concerning.
“In an era where science, technology and innovation are crucial for the nation’s future, such allocations demonstrate a lack of foresight and basic awareness of global trends and urgent national priorities,” he stated.
Obi called for a reassessment of priorities, a revisiting of the budget, and the elimination of frivolous expenditures.
“This level of insensitivity to the present situation and challenges faced by the people should not be tolerated by any development-minded nation. Every scarce resource must be directed towards productive sectors of the economy.
“It’s time for our country to reevaluate its goals, go over its spending plan, cut unnecessary expenses, and use funds wisely for the good of the populace. Waste and frivolity are not the foundations of great nations,” he said.
