Amidst Controversy, Federal Ministry Allocates N500 Million for Empowerment Projects in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District
Recent revelations shed light on the approval of N2.5 billion by the Nigerian government for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to acquire refrigerators, generators, and other essentials as part of empowerment initiatives for his constituency. The disclosure, shared via a budget screenshot by prominent social commentator Mahdi Shehu, underscores the allocation of N500 million by the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs for five distinct projects aimed at uplifting the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
The budgetary allocation has ignited a debate regarding the prioritization of funds, with critics questioning the efficacy of investing in household appliances rather than more substantial developmental projects. Shehu’s accompanying commentary highlights Akpabio’s contentious history and the perceived lack of transparency surrounding his ascension to the role of Senate president.
Among the projects outlined in the budget, one focuses on empowering women in the Ikono and Abak local government areas through the provision of deep freezers, generators, and supplementary items to augment their daily earnings. Concurrently, Senator Agom Jarigbe’s disclosure in the Senate of certain “senior” senators receiving N500 million each from the 2024 budget has intensified scrutiny over allegations of budgetary manipulation raised by Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ningi’s assertions of budget padding, totaling N3.7 trillion, have prompted comparisons between the National Assembly’s approved budget and the federal government’s actual expenditure. The resultant disparity, amounting to N28.7 trillion, has precipitated the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi and sparked public condemnation directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
