Nigerian Budget Allocates N100M To Atomic Energy Commission For Sewing, Grinding Machines In Anambra, N100M To Chemical Research Agency For Tricycles In Borno
According to Tracka, an accountability organisation monitoring public projects across the country there are instances where funds designated for specific constituencies were incorrectly assigned to unrelated government agencies, raising concerns about fiscal accountability and transparency.
The 2024 Federal Government budget has come under scrutiny following revelations of significant misallocation of funds across several Zonal Constituency Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
According to Tracka, an accountability organisation monitoring public projects across the country there are instances where funds designated for specific constituencies were incorrectly assigned to unrelated government agencies, raising concerns about fiscal accountability and transparency.
Among the discrepancies identified, the National Mathematical Centre received N163 million for the provision of three-in-one solar street lights in various communities within Ezza North/Isihe Local Government Area, Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.
This allocation is originally intended for local development projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure within the constituency.
Similarly, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission was allocated N100 million for empowerment materials, including sewing and grinding machines, purportedly for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State.
Meanwhile, the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) in Zaria received N100 million for the provision of tricycles (Keke Napep) in Borno South Senatorial District, Borno State, which deviates from its intended scope.
Further discrepancies include the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, which was allocated N50 million for the construction of classrooms in Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Cross River State.
These misallocations extend to projects such as the provision of comprehensive medical outreach by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Awe, Doma, and Keana Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State.
Moreover, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) received N100 million for agricultural empowerment in Kwande/Ushongo LGA, Benue State, originally earmarked for women and youth empowerment initiatives.
The Nigerian Army was also allocated N80 million for a solar-powered borehole in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, which was meant for infrastructure projects within the state.
Also, the National Lottery Trust, allocated N125 million for ICT centres in Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, and the National Space Research and Development Agency Development, which received N95 million naira for solar street lights in Katsina Central Senatorial District, also faced scrutiny for improper allocations.
This incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public finance management to maintain public trust and foster effective implementation of developmental projects nationwide.
