Principal officers of Nigeria’s 10th Senate have allegedly allocated billions of naira in constituency projects to themselves in the 2024 budget, according to a published report yesterday.
These projects, known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP), are meant to drive local development across Nigeria’s 109 senatorial districts.
The report, which revealed several projects worth billions of naira whose specific locations are unclear, disclosed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing Akwa Ibom North-West, secured ?4.142 billion for his constituency. Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin also allocated substantial funds to Kano-North, his district.
Other key beneficiaries include Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, Minority Leader Abba Moro, Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olalere, and ex-Chief Whip Ali Ndume, amongst others.
The projects range from infrastructure development to youth empowerment initiatives.
However, concerns have been raised over the transparency of these allocations, with many projects vaguely described or lacking specific locations. Some projects are also listed under unrelated government agencies with some listed under suspicious sub-heads., adding to the controversy surrounding the Budget’s clarity and accountability.
The report further alleged that the Budget document did not indicate whether the lawmakers nominated these projects, despite them being located in their respective constituencies.
