The allocation of N70 billion in the 2022 supplementary budget by the National Assembly has been criticized for contradicting principles of good governance.
This budget amendment swiftly approved the aforementioned amount to enhance the “working conditions” of newly elected lawmakers, while also allocating N500 billion to assist Nigerians in mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Critics argue that this decision by the lawmakers demonstrates a lack of transparency and sincerity, particularly during a critical period of post-Covid recovery and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions.
The rising cost of governance, characterized by high personnel and overhead expenses, is already straining the country’s finances.
However, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has countered these criticisms by stating that the N70 billion allocation is intended for the infrastructure of the parliament, rather than for the lawmakers themselves.
In a conversation with reporters on Thursday, Kalu clarified that the funds are not intended as palliative measures for the members of the National Assembly, but rather for addressing the infrastructure needs of the parliament.
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