The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has yet again expressed grave concerns about the discrepancies in the 2024 budget allocation, highlighting in particular the large funding gap between the National Assembly Hospital and six major teaching hospitals around the country.
In a statement expressing his profound worry, Obi emphasised the unequal distribution of resources, saying, “It is critical for the welfare of the country to direct our limited resources towards high-priority areas of need.” He underlined the necessity of a review and suitable funding reallocation to address pressing needs.
One of the key issues highlighted by Obi is the allocation of N15 billion solely for the National Assembly hospital, which he finds unacceptable given its magnitude compared to the budgetary allocations for major teaching hospitals. He pointed out that this allocation exceeds five times the combined budgetary allocation for teaching hospitals such as University College Hospital, Ibadan; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife; Jos University Teaching Hospital, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
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Furthermore, Obi expressed disappointment over the budgetary allocation of N15.3 billion for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library, in contrast to the insufficient funding for the long-delayed National Library project. He highlighted the disparity, stating, “This level of insensitivity to the present situation and challenges faced by the people should not be tolerated by any development-minded nation.”
In addition, Obi questioned the N10 billion that was allotted for the National Assembly Recreation Centre, the parking lots for the Senate and House of Representatives, and other buildings. He emphasised that industries like science, technology, and innovation must be given top priority for the country’s future growth.
Finally, Obi urged a reevaluation of the country’s priorities and a budget revision to ensure effective resource allocation for the people’s benefit and to do away with unnecessary spending. “No great nation is built on a foundation of waste and frivolity,” he underlined.
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