Cost of Governance: Irrational expenditures should be eradicated

Nigeria has far been injured by the blows of profligate spending, which out of context has over time subjected the Country to limitations of capital expenditure. In the long run, the impacts have exposed the country’s weaknesses, leaving the economy with debilitated fabrics. The socio-economic and political effects are no way desirable.

While recent outcries on the need to cut the cost of governance have grown louder, it is evident that the fixtures of irrational features and allocations for items and agenda which manageable alternatives exist for, have not ceased to find expression in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government.

Recently, amidst hardship in the Country and the echoes of the necessity to cut down cost of governance to make more funds available for capital projects in the country, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) was knocked for hosting a Workshop for State Commissioners of Finance in London.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi while condemning the act had said the action by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation reflects its insensitivity to the worrisome situation in the country.

The former Governor of Anambra State had called that Nigerians must resist and denounce such recklessness. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle recently, Obi had said: “Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant-General’s Office to hold a workshop in London. This decision is not only unacceptable but also deeply troubling on multiple levels.”

“Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable State of our national currency, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.

“First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds.

“At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsible to squander taxpayer money on extravagant overseas workshops.

“The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

“Furthermore, holding a workshop in London sends the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the international community. It perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen.

“It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services.

“Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria is home to numerous highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise.

“By outsourcing such activities to foreign countries the government not only undermines local expertise but also fails to leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience within its borders.

“Additionally, holding a workshop in London raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.

“There must be full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how the selection of vendors and contractors was made. Any hint of impropriety or favouritism in awarding contracts for such events must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.”

Nigeria  is now in a situation in which if her economy would be salvaged from collapse, every “Naira and Kobo” must count.  This calls for prudent management of resources  in the most possible form, to essentially cut down the cost of governance to the barest minimum. Nigeria has been exposed to too many dangers of which irrational expenditures have firmly informed.

It is high time the voices and actions against such disposition be strongly fought to a stand still. The government must become not only accountable, but reasonable in the process of allocation of resources.