In a letter dated September 11, Wike requested the ₦288 billion supplementary budget, citing additional internally generated revenue and miscellaneous inflows. The supplementary budget included funding for 32 projects, with 22 existing projects receiving additional funding and 10 new projects introduced.
Abuja, Nigeria – The presiding officers of Nigeria’s National Assembly—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and their deputies, Barau Jibrin and Ben Kalu—have been allocated ₦10 billion for rent and furniture in the 2024 supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This revelation, uncovered by a PREMIUM TIMES investigation, has sparked widespread criticism given the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The budgetary provision, classified under code 23010309 as “Renting and Furnishing of Presiding Officers of the National Assembly,” is part of a ₦288 billion supplementary budget submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly in September. The budget was approved by lawmakers within five days.
Lavish Spending Amid Hardship
This allocation is the latest in a series of large expenditures linked to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose administration has been marked by high-profile housing projects. These include a ₦21 billion residential mansion for Vice President Kashim Shettima and a ₦25 billion allocation for houses for 40 judges, which was later increased to ₦30 billion in the supplementary budget.
Wike’s spending has faced criticism as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. Reports of stampedes over food distribution in recent weeks have highlighted the country’s economic struggles.
Observers suggest the allocations may serve as a subtle means of currying favor across the three arms of government: the executive, judiciary, and legislature. Wike has denied these allegations.
A History of Rent and Unfinished Projects
The presiding officers currently live in rented accommodations despite an abandoned housing project intended for them. The project, located within the Three-Arms Zone of Abuja, has been stalled for over a decade despite being roofed and plastered.
Since 2011, the government has been renting houses for the National Assembly’s presiding officers. Senate President Akpabio reportedly resides in Maitama, while Speaker Abbas lives in Guzape.
Despite these arrangements, questions linger about why ₦10 billion is being allocated for rent and furniture instead of completing the long-abandoned housing project.
FCT’s Budgetary Priorities
In a letter dated September 11, Wike requested the ₦288 billion supplementary budget, citing additional internally generated revenue and miscellaneous inflows. The supplementary budget included funding for 32 projects, with 22 existing projects receiving additional funding and 10 new projects introduced.
One controversial item is the ₦20 billion allocated for renovating the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters in Abuja.
Lack of Transparency
PREMIUM TIMES submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the FCT Ministry seeking clarification on the ₦10 billion allocation. However, the ministry ignored the request, a pattern consistent with Wike’s administration. Attempts to reach spokespersons for the National Assembly also yielded no response.
Context of Spending
To place the ₦10 billion allocation in perspective:
The federal government’s proposed 2025 budget allocates ₦11.5 billion for constructing 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme, which could benefit thousands of Nigerians.
The national housing program, with a nationwide scope, has an allocation of ₦5.3 billion in the 2025 budget—half the amount allocated for the rent of four individuals.
In contrast, the House of Representatives recently pooled half of its members’ salaries, totaling ₦704 million, to support vulnerable Nigerians—a mere 7.4% of the rent and furniture budget for the four presiding officers.
Public Outrage
Critics have decried the allocation as insensitive and a blatant misuse of public funds. With the National Assembly’s 2024 budget already at a record ₦344 billion, many question why the legislature is not funding its officers’ rent from its own allocation.
The lack of transparency and prioritization in government spending continues to fuel public discontent as ordinary Nigerians struggle to survive amidst economic hardship.
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