The news of the newly appointed 48 ministers set to earn a staggering N8.6 billion in salaries and allowances over four years has stirred a wave of anger, concern, and worry among Nigerians.
The information, revealed by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has sparked outrage, especially given the country’s economic challenges.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) disclosed that the salaries and allowances of the 48 ministers would drain N8.63 billion from the nation’s already meager resources within four years.
This development has left many Nigerians questioning the government’s commitment to its promise of reducing the cost of governance and enhancing the citizens’ living standards. With concerns that these earnings might escalate over time, the public’s dissatisfaction has been expressed vociferously.
Critics argue that the current administration should take cues from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 33-minister cabinet during prosperous economic times. They believe that the 48 ministers appointed by President Tinubu is excessive, especially when considering the dire fiscal state of the nation.
Umar Yakubu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CefTIW), emphasized the wastefulness of the appointments. He pointed out that other countries are merging ministries to cut costs, with the United States having only 15 ministries in comparison.
The call for prudence has grown louder as Nigeria grapples with escalating borrowing, while the implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report on civil service reform, submitted in 2011, continues to be overlooked. The report advocated for the reduction and merging of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to curtail expenses.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), criticized the practice of presidents appointing ministers beyond the constitutional requirement. He urged the National Assembly to revisit this issue and amend the constitution to ensure better governance efficiency.
As the nation navigates economic challenges and mounting debt, citizens are calling for a shift towards a more cost-effective governance structure, echoing a sentiment that prioritizes the people’s welfare over political expenditures.
