The revelation of N405,874,995 paid as furniture allowances to 70 high-ranking public servants from May to July 2024 exposes the government’s disregard for the economic realities most Nigerians face and its unwillingness to cut down on the cost of governance.
Development Diaries reports that according to Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) findings, all public office holders who received furniture allowances in May, June and July, 2024, were directors, directors-general and permanent secretaries of federal ministries, departments and agencies.
According to the ‘Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Feb., 2007 – June 2009)’ document, the furniture allowance is set at 300 percent of the base monthly salary received by directors general, auditors general, permanent secretaries, accountants general, executive secretaries, and other chief executives of parastatals and agencies.
Also, in accordance with the terms of the cited document, it is meant to be paid once every four years.
As citizens struggle with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs, such extravagant spending on allowances for directors, directors-general, and permanent secretaries of federal ministries and agencies deepens the sense of inequity.
This wasteful expenditure sends the wrong message to the populace, fueling frustration and widening the gap between the government and its people.
In times of economic hardship, the public expects their leaders to demonstrate fiscal prudence and empathy by cutting back on non-essential expenses.
However, the continued payment of hefty allowances, such as the furniture allowances ranging between N5,777,595 and N6,079,200 per political officeholder, undermines the government’s credibility and erodes trust in its leadership.
It raises concerns about misplaced priorities, as resources that could alleviate the suffering of Nigerians are being funneled into unnecessary perks for a few individuals in power.
If President Bola Tinubu‘s administration is serious about rebuilding trust and fostering a more inclusive government, reducing the cost of governance must be a top priority.
A thorough review of such allowances and unnecessary expenditures is essential to ensure that public funds are utilised for the benefit of the wider population.
This will not only save billions but also signal a commitment to shared sacrifice in the face of economic challenges and gain public trust.
Development Diaries reiterates its call to President Tinubu to prioritise trimming excessive governance costs which will not only reflect a more responsible leadership but also set a strong precedent for future administrations.
It is time for the Tinubu-led government to prioritise the needs of the masses and enact measures that promote fiscal discipline and transparent governance.
Photo source: Bola Tinubu
