The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sharply criticized the N10 billion allocated for the rent and furnishing of residences for the leaders of the National Assembly in the 2024 supplementary budget, calling the move “grossly insensitive” and “unjustified.” This condemnation comes amidst an ongoing economic crisis in the country, with millions of Nigerians struggling under the weight of inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies.
In a statement issued on January 4, 2025, HURIWA lambasted the executive and the National Assembly for what it termed a “brazen display of profligacy” that undermines Nigeria’s democracy. The association pointed to the allocation made to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and their deputies—Barau Jibrin and Ben Kalu—as a direct affront to the public interest.
“This is a shocking case of state capture,” HURIWA declared, emphasizing the timing of the allocation, which coincides with rising economic hardship for the average Nigerian. “How can we justify spending N10 billion on rent for four individuals while millions are struggling to survive? This is not governance; this is a deliberate attempt to consolidate power by the executive at the expense of the people.”
The N10 billion was earmarked as part of the N288 billion supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly in September 2024. This approval was fast-tracked within a mere five days, prompting HURIWA to accuse both the executive and legislative branches of colluding in a manner that undermines democratic checks and balances.
“Instead of prioritizing national projects that benefit the masses, such as health and education, this lavish allocation shows where the government’s priorities lie: with the comfort of the few at the top,” said HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
One of the most glaring disparities pointed out by the rights group is the contrast between the N10 billion set aside for the National Assembly leaders’ residences and the N11.5 billion allocated for the construction of 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “For the price of renting homes for four individuals, you could provide shelter for thousands of Nigerians. This kind of spending is not just reckless; it is immoral,” HURIWA emphasized.
HURIWA’s outrage was further fueled by the lack of transparency surrounding the allocation. Despite multiple requests for clarification from investigative journalists, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministry has yet to provide any explanations about the expenditure.
“What is the government hiding?” Onwubiko asked. “Why are they so secretive about such extravagant spending when the public is left in the dark about how their tax money is being used?”
The group also raised concerns over the absence of accountability in government spending, particularly when it comes to the housing projects for National Assembly presiding officers in the Three-Arms Zone. According to HURIWA, these housing projects, which were intended for the same officials, have been left incomplete for over a decade. Yet, in what appears to be a futile exercise, N10 billion has been allocated for short-term rent and furniture.
“Why not use the N10 billion to complete these abandoned housing projects?” HURIWA questioned. “It is outrageous that we continue to waste public funds while critical infrastructure projects remain unfinished.”
HURIWA’s statement also took issue with the National Assembly’s failure to reject the allocation, calling for the lawmakers to show fiscal responsibility by halting the unnecessary expenditure. “The National Assembly should reject this allocation and demonstrate their commitment to Nigerians, who are facing hunger, insecurity, and inflation,” the statement read.
The rights group also called for a wider investigation into how public funds have been routinely misused under the guise of administrative costs. According to HURIWA, this allocation is part of a larger pattern of fiscal irresponsibility in government.
“This is not a new problem,” HURIWA continued. “The Nigerian government has consistently demonstrated a lack of regard for the suffering of its citizens, all while using public funds for self-aggrandizement.”
HURIWA’s condemnation came as a growing number of Nigerians continue to voice their frustrations over what they see as the government’s misplaced priorities. As food insecurity deepens and unemployment rates soar, many Nigerians are calling for an overhaul of government spending and a greater focus on addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.
“Our democracy cannot survive this kind of wasteful behavior,” HURIWA concluded. “It is time for Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders, who must stop prioritizing luxury over the welfare of the people.”
In a country where millions are struggling to make ends meet, the allocation of N10 billion for rent and furnishings for just four individuals has been met with outrage and calls for a reallocation of funds to projects that will have a more significant impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
As pressure mounts on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the growing discontent, the coming days may see further protests and public demands for transparency in government spending.
