Challenging Fiscal Irresponsibility: Nigerians Must Unite and Protest Against the National Assembly's Greed

 

Nigerians must rise against the entrenched culture of entitlement and fiscal irresponsibility on the part of their National Assembly, challenging the deep-seated mismanagement that has jeopardized our nation's growth. Inaction is no longer an option; it's time for Nigerians to actively shape a just, transparent, and accountable governance system for generations to come.

In the heart of Nigeria, a country grappling with economic hardship and widespread poverty, a controversial decision by the National Assembly (NASS) has sparked nationwide outrage. The year 2024 witnessed a startling development as the NASS, undaunted by the nation's precarious financial situation, audaciously increased its allocation in the national budget from a proposed N197 billion ($220.9 million) to an excessive N344 billion ($385.8 million). This move came despite Nigeria's struggling economy, where over 133 million of its 226 million citizens live in poverty.

President Bola Tinubu, after submitting an initial budget proposal of N27.5 trillion in November, chose to remain silent as events unfolded dramatically in the National Assembly (NASS). The NASS, with a bold disregard for the country's financial constraints, took it upon themselves to inflate the budget to N28.7 trillion, adding a staggering N1.27 trillion over the original proposal. This marked increase in the NASS’s allocation was unprecedented, being 51% higher than what was allocated in 2023 and a whopping 75% more than the initially proposed figure. In a move that compounded the nation's fiscal challenges, the lawmakers didn’t stop there; they went on to approve additional borrowing. This decision not only reflected a significant departure from the proposed fiscal path but also further burdened the nation's already strained finances, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of such fiscal policies and the future economic stability of Nigeria.

The NASS has once again showcased a pattern of extravagant spending, reflective of a deeply ingrained culture of luxury funded by public money. In a detailed breakdown of the spending, a staggering N49.14 billion has been earmarked for the 109-member Senate, while the 360-member House of Representatives is set to receive an even higher allocation of N78.62 billion. The extravagance doesn't stop there; an additional N6 billion has been allocated solely for the construction of car parks, alongside substantial amounts directed towards the furnishing of offices and the development of recreational facilities. This trend of lavish spending is not an anomaly but a continuation of a troubling pattern observed in recent years. Both in 2021 and 2022, the NASS significantly inflated its budget beyond the original proposals, demonstrating a persistent and unabashed commitment to opulence and luxury at the expense of the Nigerian public. Such financial decisions highlight a worrying disregard for fiscal responsibility and raise critical questions about the prioritization of expenditures in a country grappling with numerous socioeconomic challenges.

In the midst of Nigeria's profound economic difficulties, the fiscal irresponsibility displayed by these lawmakers stands in stark, troubling contrast. The nation is currently navigating through a labyrinth of severe economic challenges, highlighted by alarming unemployment rates hovering at 33.3% and a soaring inflation rate of 28.20%. These statistics paint a grim picture of the hardships faced by the average Nigerian. Compounding this distressing scenario is the fact that almost 90% of the nation's revenue is dedicated to servicing an immense debt, which has ballooned to an astonishing N87.38 trillion. In such a precarious economic landscape, the actions of the lawmakers, who have indulged in the purchase of bullet-proof SUVs each worth N160 million, appear not just extravagant, but profoundly out of touch with the realities of the citizens they represent. This disconnect raises significant concerns about the priorities and empathy of those in positions of power, as they continue to enjoy opulent luxuries while the majority of the population struggles under the weight of economic adversity and uncertainty.

It is worth pointing out that the extravagant expenditure of Nigeria's lawmakers presents a glaring contradiction when compared to the more austere and empathetic fiscal approaches adopted by their global counterparts, especially in times of crisis. A prime example of this contrast was evident in 2020, amidst the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, Indian parliamentarians collectively agreed to a self-imposed 30% reduction in their salaries, a significant gesture of solidarity with their nation grappling with an unprecedented health and economic crisis. This act of fiscal responsibility and empathy was not isolated, as similar measures were observed in other countries such as Singapore, Poland, Canada, and New Zealand, where politicians willingly accepted pay cuts to align themselves with the struggles of their citizens. These actions by global leaders were more than symbolic; they were tangible demonstrations of placing public interest above personal gain, starkly highlighting the lack of such fiscal empathy and responsibility in Nigeria's leadership. The contrast between the Nigerian lawmakers' indulgence in luxury during a time of national hardship and their counterparts' willingness to share in the economic burdens of their people is striking and sheds light on the need for a fundamental shift in the attitude of Nigeria’s political elite towards public funds and national welfare.

In 2015, The Economist, a news magazine based in London, released a report that placed Nigeria's federal lawmakers among the highest paid in the world, second only to their counterparts in the United States. This revelation, striking in its own right, becomes even more concerning when juxtaposed with the lawmakers' consistent disregard for public opinion and the general interest of their constituents. This behavior portrays a leadership style that is markedly detached and self-serving. Unlike leaders in many other countries, who often align their financial decisions with the needs and expectations of their populace, Nigerian lawmakers appear to operate in a bubble of financial excess, seemingly unaffected by the economic struggles faced by the majority of Nigerians. Their continued indulgence in lavish expenditures, funded by public coffers, starkly contrasts with the reality of the nation's socioeconomic challenges. Once again, this scenario not only highlights a significant disconnect between the Nigerian political elite and the citizens they are elected to represent but also raises critical questions about the nature of governance and accountability in Nigeria. Such a situation underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of the principles and practices of political leadership in the country, particularly in terms of fiscal responsibility and empathy towards the populace.

Nigerians, facing the brunt of these decisions, are called to exercise their right to protest. The tradition of fiscal extravagance will persist unless citizens push back, demanding accountability and responsible governance. The executive branch, equally given to such behavior, has failed to intervene, leaving the onus on the populace.

Citizen Action

The case for protest in Nigeria transcends the immediate issue of challenging the recent budget increase by the National Assembly. It delves deeper into addressing a pervasive culture of entitlement and fiscal irresponsibility that has become entrenched in Nigerian governance. For years, this toxic culture has seen government officials and lawmakers prioritize personal gain and luxurious expenditures over the pressing needs of the nation, leading to a significant misallocation of resources. This habitual financial mismanagement has not only hampered economic growth but also widened the gap between the rich and the poor, exacerbating the struggles of the average Nigerian. By protesting, citizens have the opportunity to voice their opposition to these longstanding practices and demand a fundamental shift in how the country’s resources are managed.

The urgency for Nigerians to collectively demand transformative change in their nation’s fiscal and political ethos cannot be overstated. It is a movement that goes beyond mere dissent; it is a call for a profound reshaping of the country's governance framework. This transformation is essential for the sustainability of Nigeria's economic and social well-being. Apathy or inaction in this context only serves to perpetuate the status quo, allowing the continuation of fiscal mismanagement and political negligence. The active participation of the citizenry in demanding accountability and transparency is pivotal in steering the country towards a more equitable and responsible governance model. As such, the current situation presents not just a challenge but also an opportunity for Nigerians to redefine the future of their nation through collective action and unwavering resolve.