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2024 Budget: Report Shows NASS Allocated N6.6trn ‘Untraceable Projects’ to Ministries

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

Eric

A new report which studied the breakdown of the 2024 budget passed by the 10th National Assembly (NASS) says unknown projects worth N6.6 trillion were discovered.

The suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) first accused his colleagues of padding the Appropriation Act. The lawmakers had approved N8,447,887,443,379 for several capital projects to be executed by 20 federal ministries.

A document titled “Final Summary Analysis of the Harmonized 2024 Budget (Passed)”, produced by Microxpressions Consult and submitted to the legislature, gave an overview of the figures focusing on allocations to Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

In its analysis, Economic Confidential found that N2,486,098,619,722 budgeted for capital projects in more than 15 ministries was aggregated into regional projects, while N4,185,711,477,842 was alloted to projects without geographic identifiers, thus complicating monitoring.

The report said the allocation to the South-West was N419,917,163,300, the South-East got N537,086,249,684; South-South – N224,969,978,366, North-West – N365,387,892,588, North-East – N349,434,063,602, and North-Central – N730,029,622,125.

“Surprisingly, N6,671,810,092,564 (out of the N8,447,887,443,379), approximately 71.98% of the total ‘Development Capital Allocation’, was assigned to initiatives that are either elusive in terms of traceability or encumbered by accountability constraints,” it noted.

Ministry of Youths: A total of N5,096,411,496 was budgeted for projects across all zones but locations of projects worth N2,868,851,764 were not indicated; Ministry of Sports: N21,614,361,733 earmarked for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N7,464,061,733 not named.

Ministry of Defence: N3,762,721,808,585 set aside for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N3,280,130,880,602 not mentioned; Ministry of Special Duties: N10,770,986,503 budgeted for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N4,672,818,582 not identified.

Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning: N2,293,112,174,749 allocated for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N383,729,998,776 not stated; Ministry of Tourism: N15,358,369,171 pegged for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N1,206,655,625 not disclosed.

Ministry of Petroleum Resources: N8,622,741,732 approved for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N8,554,622,753 not mentioned; Ministry of Women Affairs: N12,055,872,158 earmarked for projects across all zones, location of projects worth N4,382,888,112 were revealed.

Ministry of Justice: N33,860,593,566 budgeted for projects across all zones, location of projects worth N25,742,716,841 not identified; Ministry of Police Affairs: N99,382,436,919 alloted to projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N49,090,806,535 not disclosed.

Ministry of Agriculture: N895,398,209,400 earmarked for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N124,131,394,058 not indicated; Ministry of Environment: N75,200,361,462 allocated for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N55,278,212,086 not mentioned.

Ministry of Solid Minerals: N26,911,766,878 set aside for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N21,524,219,531 not identified; Ministry of Works: N987,289,797,899 earmarked for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N44,428,040,905 not stated.

Ministry of Water Resources: N281,591,884,394 budgeted for projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N54,120,180,977 not disclosed; Ministry of Health: N539,413,163,575 alloted to projects across all zones, locations of projects worth N146,215,196,278 not revealed.

Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy: A total of N4,893,877,166 was approved for various capital projects across all zones but locations of projects worth N3,646,711,848 were not indicated.

“The ministries must provide declarations regarding projects’ intended locations and scope in the interest of transparency and accountability,” according to Microxpressions Consult. “A stringent location-specific allocation protocol is critical to ensuring that budgetary provisions translate into traceable developmental advancements.”

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Supreme Court Verdict: ADC Chieftain Advises Tinubu to Kiss Aso Rock Goodbye

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.

“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”

He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.

“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.

Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.

He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.

Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.

“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.

He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.

“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.

“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.

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2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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