Again, Obi criticizes 2024 budget, says “it’s filled with negatives against Nigeria’s development”
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, has once again, voiced his strong concerns about the 2024 budget.
He believes that the budget should hold immense significance for the well-being of all citizens, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged.
Obi made these remarks in a statement released through X on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the budget’s numerous drawbacks have wide-ranging consequences for the country’s progress and the welfare of its people.
He firmly believes that addressing these issues is crucial for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.
“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 stated.
He added, “Allocating N15 billion solely for the National Assembly hospital is unacceptable, especially when it exceeds five times the budgetary allocation to The National Hospital or the combined capital vote of our six major teaching hospitals across the nation.”
He further listed the teaching hospitals including University College Hospital, Ibadan; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife; Jos University Teaching Hospital and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
“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.
“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.
Obi further expressed concern over the allocation of N10 billion for the Senate and House of Representatives’ car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre while allocating less to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
He said, “Allocating N10 billion for the Senate 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, therefore called for a reassessment of priorities, a revisiting of the budget, and the elimination of frivolous expenditures.
