National Assembly’s N344.85 Billion Budget Sparks Outrage Amid Economic Hardships

The Nigerian public has been left in shock and anger after it was revealed that the National Assembly’s 2024 budget has ballooned to N344.85 billion, a figure that surpasses the individual budgets of more than 20 states across the nation.

At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardships, the lavish spending of the country’s 469-member legislative body has drawn widespread criticism and sparked calls for accountability and reform.

The data, obtained from a recent analysis by BusinessDay, highlights a glaring disparity between the budgetary allocations of the National Assembly and the funding for critical sectors such as education.

For instance, the combined budget of over 27 federal universities, including prominent institutions like the University of Lagos (N19.4 billion) and Obafemi Awolowo University (N17.02 billion), falls far short of the amount earmarked for the National Assembly.

The stark contrast has fueled public discontent, with many questioning the priorities of their elected representatives.

Adding to the controversy, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South recently disclosed that each senator receives a monthly “running cost” of N21 million, a figure that far exceeds the official salary of less than N1 million.

This revelation has further inflamed public sentiment, especially as millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

Critics have pointed to the National Assembly’s history of extravagant spending, which has long been a source of contention in a country where poverty remains widespread.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, known for his outspoken criticism of legislative excesses, reiterated that lawmakers’ earnings far surpass the figures officially stated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Sani’s comments echo his previous efforts to shed light on the opaque financial practices of the National Assembly, which he described as a “national burden” on the economy.

The revelation of the National Assembly’s 2024 budget comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s Supplementary Appropriation Bill, which allocated an additional N70 billion to help lawmakers “settle in” following the 2023 general elections.

This move, coupled with the already enormous budget, has prompted renewed calls for a drastic overhaul of Nigeria’s legislative structure.

Many are advocating for a leaner, more efficient body that can better serve the needs of the people without burdening the nation’s finances.

As the outrage continues to mount, the National Assembly faces increasing pressure to justify its spending and demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

In a country where economic challenges are deepening, the demand for greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility has never been more urgent.