2024: Northern Senators Allege N3trn Budget Padding

• The Northern Senators Forum intends to meet President Tinubu regarding alleged discrepancies, including an alleged N3 trillion insertion in the budget
• Senator Abdul Ningi expressed concern over the budget’s implementation exceeding the Senate’s approved amount of N25 trillion

The Northern Senators Forum has announced its intention to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding alleged discrepancies in the 2024 budget, citing an alleged N3 trillion insertion.

Senator Abdul Ningi, chairman of the forum, revealed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, expressing concern over the budget’s implementation, which purportedly exceeds the Senate’s approved amount of N25 trillion.

Ningi asserted that the forum would investigate the additional N3 trillion and other undisclosed allocations within the budget. He disclosed ongoing consultations with consultants over the past three months to scrutinize the budget meticulously.

The senator emphasized the adverse impact of the budget on the North and the nation as a whole, vowing to present their findings to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu.

Ningi raised questions about the transparency of the budget process, alleging the existence of an undisclosed budget prepared clandestinely. He stressed the forum’s determination to address these discrepancies and hold relevant authorities accountable.

The forum plans to discuss various concerns with President Tinubu, including the Mambilla Power Project, Ajaokuta Steel Company, River Niger dredging, and the construction of a dam in Niger Republic, which they perceive as detrimental to Nigeria’s interests.

Expressing disappointment with President Tinubu’s administration, Ningi lamented the unfulfilled expectations of the North, particularly regarding critical infrastructure projects neglected by previous administrations.

The forum’s stance underscores the imperative of transparent governance and equitable distribution of resources to address regional disparities and foster national development.