Nigerian agency SMEDAN budgets N5billion purchase vehicles for select traditional rulers

SAHARA REPORTERS

A report by public accountability platform, Tracka, has noted that over 2,558 projects worth over N624 billion were allocated to agencies outside their official mandate in the 2024 budget.

“Over 2,558 projects worth N624 billion were allocated to agencies outside their mandate in the 2024 Federal Government Budget,” Tracka said in the report posted on Monday.

“The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) allocated N5 billion for the ‘procurement and distribution of official vehicles to selected traditional rulers in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.’”

SMEDAN’s mandate includes promoting and developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

It is also involved in policy formulation and advocacy, provide training, skill development, and capacity-building programs help prepare business owners for growth, promoting entrepreneurship culture and encouraging the establishment and growth of MSMEs across various sectors of the economy.

Army allocated monies for repair of roads to the tune of N200 million.

“Another is the Nigerian Army, which allocated N200m to ‘repair and asphaltic overlay of selected roads in Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, Niger state,” it said.

The Ministry of Sports Development allocated the sum of N400 million for “all in one Solarstreet light in various facilities and communities within Imo North Senatorial district, Imo state”.

Another N300 million was allocated for the construction of female ward in General Hospital, Zauro to the SMEDAN.

The sum of N3.5 billion was budgeted by the State House for construction of office complex for SAs (Special Advisers) and SSAs (Senior Special Advisers). The State House also budgeted N2 billion for the replacement of SUV vehicles.

Tracka identified many other allocations that were outside the statutory responsibility of the agencies to which the money was allocated.

There have been issues of budget credibility in Nigeria and also calls for proper management of public funds, including transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s resources.

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS