How Senate Deputy President And Key Officers Secured Multi-Billion Naira Constituency Projects In 2024 Budget

How Senate Deputy President And Key Officers Secured Multi-Billion Naira Constituency Projects In 2024 Budget

Principal officers of Nigeria’s Senate have allocated billions of naira in constituency projects to themselves in the 2024 budget, according to Premium Times. These projects, known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP), are intended to support development initiatives across the country’s 109 senatorial districts……. CONTINUE READING

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing Akwa Ibom State’s North-West Senatorial District, allocated ₦4.142 billion to his constituency alone. The ZIP program aims to direct federal projects to local communities through lawmakers’ initiatives.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other key Senate officers, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, former Chief Whip Ali Ndume, Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olalere, also received substantial allocations.

Concerns have been raised about the transparency and clarity of these allocations. Many projects are described vaguely, with some listed under dubious headings. The budget documents do not specify whether lawmakers nominated these projects, despite their locations being in their constituencies.

For example, Barau Jibrin’s Kano North Senatorial District received ₦250 million for “Construction of rural roads in selected communities” without specifying the exact locations. Other allocations included ₦190 million for “Human Capital Development” and various other projects with unclear details.

In Ekiti Central Senatorial District, represented by Opeyemi Bamidele, ₦1.472 billion was allocated to six projects, though some are listed under unrelated government agencies. These include ₦200 million for educational materials and ₦232 million for agricultural inputs.

Kwara South Senatorial District, represented by Oyelola Ashiru, received ₦1.8 billion for eleven projects, some of which are allocated under irrelevant organisations.

In Borno South, Ali Ndume’s constituency received ₦722 million for three projects, including road construction and tricycle provision.

Benue South, represented by Abba Moro, was allocated ₦1.18 billion for eight projects, some listed under unrelated agencies.

Osun West Senatorial District, represented by Oyewunmi Olalere, received ₦1.13 billion for six projects, with some listed under agencies not directly related to the projects.

Overall, the allocation of these funds has sparked controversy regarding the legitimacy and transparency of the budgetary process.

For the latest updates and juicy gossip, dive into the Bushradiogist platform by clicking this link: Bushradio. For advert placement only, shoot a WhatsApp message to 0807 580 6790.