Alarm bells are ringing over the National Assembly’s approval of a staggering N42.7 billion for the Federal College of Horticultural Technology, Dadin-Kowa, in Gombe State with some stakeholders alleging budget padding.
Reports by BudgIT Foundation, a civic tech organization promoting transparency, the college had initially proposed a budget of only N368 million for the 2024 fiscal year.
The approved N42.7 billion represents a shocking increase of over 5000%, with numerous unrelated projects inserted into the budget. These projects include the supply and installation of street lights, boreholes, motorcycles, and classrooms, many of which are located in other states, far from the college’s mandate.
BudgIT called for immediate action, urging the National Assembly to uphold integrity during the 2025 budget review. The National Assembly’s decision has sparked concerns about misallocation of public funds, with some projects—like the installation of solar-powered street lights and distribution of tricycles—being far outside the institution’s role and jurisdiction.
This move has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of budget processes in Nigeria’s legislative body.
Barristerng
