A major controversy has engulfed the National Assembly following revelations by BudgIT Foundation, a civic tech organization, accusing lawmakers of inflating the 2024 budget for the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, by over N40 billion.
BudgIT disclosed that while the college submitted a proposed budget of N667 million for the 2024 fiscal year, the National Assembly approved a staggering N40.88 billion, representing an unprecedented increase of more than 5,000%.
The civic organization, known for promoting transparency and accountability in public finance, described the development as a glaring instance of budget padding. BudgIT stated that lawmakers had inserted at least 12 projects into the college’s budget, many of which are unrelated to the institution’s mandate.
In a statement posted on its social media account on Thursday, BudgIT raised concerns about the integrity of the budgetary process.
“The Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology’s 2024 proposed budget was N667 million, but what was approved by the National Assembly was N40.88 billion—a margin of N40.22 billion! An increase of more than 5,000%.
“@nassNigeria, we hope it will not be business as usual in the review of the 2025 proposed budget,” the statement added.
PLATFORM TIMES observed that some questionable projects were repeatedly inserted into the college’s budget, which include: provision of tricycles in selected communities in Akwa Ibom State, including Urua Inyang and Ifuho, with an allocation of N200 million.
Training of unemployed youths in Southwest communities with a budget of N1 billion.
Supply of starter packs and employment kits in various Ogun State communities, including Alagbe and Ijofin, at N500 million.
Construction of classrooms at St. Peters College (Junior), Olomore, with N500 million.
Construction of Immigration, Police, and Airforce office buildings in Ogun State, each receiving N500 million.
Provision of security vehicles for police in Ado-Odo, Imeko, and Ipokia communities at N300 million.
Other allocations include:N250 million for additional facilities at Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence, University of Lagos.
N220 million for security vehicles in Akwa Ibom State and a medical outreach.
N200 million for medicines for rural health centers in Ogun communities such as Ineshe and Afon.
Meanwhile, the eport has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many questioning the rationale behind the inflated budget and the inclusion of unrelated projects.
Critics argue that the projects neither align with the core functions of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology nor address its pressing needs.
BudgIT has called for a thorough review of the 2024 budget, urging the National Assembly to desist from using the budgetary process to serve parochial interests.
The National Assembly is yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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