Tinubu’s 2024 Budget Faces Criticism From Northern Senators For Perceived Unfairness

The Northern Senators Forum has expressed dissatisfaction with the N28 trillion 2024 budget signed by President Bola Tinubu, revealing that its consultants discovered an unexplained increase of N3 trillion. The forum decried the disproportionate skewing of the budget against the northern region and Nigeria as a whole, terming it unacceptable. Chairman Abdul Ningi, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, disclosed that over the past three months, consultants had meticulously reviewed the budget, uncovering discrepancies that were not part of the budget debated on the floor of the National Assembly.

Ningi highlighted the forum’s intention to present its findings to the Senate President and emphasized the need to address issues such as the Mambila power project, Ajaokuta, River Niger dredging, and the construction of a dam by Niger Republic. He expressed concern over the strained relationship between Nigeria and Niger due to the dam construction, breaching an agreement not to impact the Kainji Dam.

The chairman questioned the whereabouts of the additional N3 trillion in the budget and emphasized the importance of projects like Mambila for the future of the North. He criticized the current government’s performance, particularly President Tinubu, stating that the leadership did not understand the country’s challenges and had failed to address critical projects in the North.

Ningi also discussed the neglect of projects like Ajaokuta, Mambila power, and the Kano-Abuja road construction over the years. He raised concerns about the government’s approach to governance and lamented the lack of unity within the North, emphasizing the need for a closer examination of issues under the Northern Senators Forum’s umbrella.

In addition, Ningi commented on the recent decision to transfer some federal agencies’ departments to Lagos, expressing disappointment in the lack of action by northern leaders. He highlighted security challenges in the North, pointing out the prolonged captivity of individuals in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Benue.

Overall, the Northern Senators Forum aims to address the discrepancies in the budget, advocate for crucial projects, and tackle the pressing issues affecting the North, emphasizing the need for unity and proactive leadership in the region.

For more information join our WhatsApp group by clicking the link here: WhatsApp Group Invite