Nigerian journalist Jaafar Jaafar criticized the spending of Nigerian lawmakers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Jaafar, founder and CEO of the online news platform Daily Nigerian, highlighted a recent budgetary request by President Bola Tinubu, pointing out “luxury hampers” for lawmakers on his verified X handle.
He stated, “While the masses groan under biting hardship, Nigerian lawmakers wallow in abundance.” According to Jaafar, President Tinubu’s recent request to increase the 2024 budget by N6.2 trillion included luxury hampers for lawmakers, disguised as constituency projects.
Jaafar revealed that each senator is set to receive N400 million, while each member of the House of Representatives will receive N200 million. This has sparked outrage among citizens who are struggling with economic difficulties.
The criticism comes at a time when Nigeria is facing significant economic challenges, including high inflation rates, unemployment, and a depreciating currency.
Recall that last week Wednesday, President Tinubu requested the Senate to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Finance Act by increasing the budget by ₦6.2tn.
Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary.
The President, in the letter, said the move was pursuant to Section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.