- Labour Party criticizes the 2024 budget, accusing the APC-led administration of prioritizing political elites’ comfort over Nigerians’ welfare and security
- LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expresses concern about disproportionate allocations, highlighting specific budgetary provisions for political offices and projects
In a New Year message on Sunday, the Labour Party (LP) criticized the recently passed 2024 budget, asserting that it prioritizes the comfort of political elites over the welfare and security of Nigerians. LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, voiced these concerns.
“As we pray for success in 2024, we urge Nigerians to scrutinize the budgetary provisions closely. Without a doubt, the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration has shown disregard for the security and welfare of Nigerians,” remarked Ifoh.
Analyzing the 2024 budget, Ifoh highlighted the disproportionate attention given to the well-being of those in power at the expense of the majority of Nigerians.
Critical sectors like education and health received N1.27 trillion and N1.33 trillion allocations, constituting 7.9% and 4.8% of the entire budget, respectively.
Ifoh expressed concern over specific allocations, including N3 billion for the Senate Car Park, N1 billion for Constitution Review, N78.62 billion for the House of Representatives, N36.727 billion for the National Assembly Office, and N4 billion for the National Assembly Recreation Centre.
Mr. Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, previously drew attention to what he considered misplaced priorities and insensitivity in allocating substantial sums for renovating the President and Vice President’s Offices, along with extravagant trips, totaling N35.961 billion.
“While Nigerians suffer at the hands of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals, the administration seems preoccupied with the comfort of those elected to serve. We hope that reconsidering the 2024 budget will prioritize the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians,” urged Ifoh.