Nigeria’s National Assembly Accused of Looting Budget with Dubious ‘Pregnancy Sensitization’ Insertion
A viral video released by BudgIT Nigeria has sparked outrage and accusations of corruption within the country’s National Assembly. The civic group revealed that lawmakers inserted a staggering N80 million (approximately $200,000) into the 2024 budget of the National Space Research Development Agency for a purpose that has left many questioning its legitimacy: “Pregnancy Sensitization”.
According to BudgIT, this is just another example of lawmakers looting the budget for personal gain. “N80 million to a Space Agency for pregnancy sensitization? This is National Assembly members looting through budget insertions! They are inserting projects for personal gain. We can’t let this continue,” the group stated in the video.
The National Assembly’s budget insertion has been criticized by many, with BudgIT urging Nigerians to remain vigilant as the 2025 Budget is set to be released. The group is calling on citizens to hold their lawmakers accountable, saying “Nigerians, shine your eyes and hold your lawmakers accountable”.
This latest development is not the first time the National Assembly has faced accusations of corruption. In November, the House of Representatives increased the 2024 Budget from 28.7 trillion to N35.055 trillion, in addition to a supplementary budget of N6.2 trillion.
The revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the purpose of the “Pregnancy Sensitization” project and calling for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s budgetary process. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Nigerian public is demanding more from their elected officials and will not tolerate any form of corruption or mismanagement of public funds.
