Nigeria’s former anti-corruption czar and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has criticized the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari, accusing it of leaving the country in a dire financial state before leaving power in May.
Ribadu made these remarks during the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 held in Abuja, where he addressed leaders on the theme, “Leveraging Defence Diplomacy and Effective Regional Collaboration for Enhanced National Security.”
In his speech, Ribadu did not mince words, stating, “Yes, we’re facing budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. Fine, it is important for you to know that we inherited a difficult situation, literally a bankrupt country, no money, to a point where we can say that all the money we’re getting now, we’re paying back what was taken. It is serious!”
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However, Ribadu reassured the audience that despite the financial challenges, the Federal Government was committed to ensuring robust and viable defense management and security apparatus. He asserted, “This administration is doing its best to meet our requirements, particularly the armed forces, and I believe that you leaders will be able to testify to that.”
“I assure you that the Federal Government will not rest on its laurels in ensuring a robust and viable defense management and security apparatus to address contemporary challenges even in the face of enormous budgetary constraints.”
The conference, attended by key figures including the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State, Bello Matawalle; Permanent Secretary in the Defense Ministry, Ibrahim Kana; and the Chief of Defence Staff, addressed crucial issues surrounding national security and defense.
Despite the pledge to navigate through financial constraints, questions have arisen about the continuity of fiscal responsibility within the present administration. Critics have pointed out the lavish spending patterns reminiscent of the previous regime. The focus has shifted to Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging a parallel trajectory in financial management.
In September, reports surfaced that Tinubu spent over $500,000 during a luxurious five-day stay in a New York hotel. Furthermore, there are concerns about the president’s proposed expenditure of N13.5 billion ($16.2 million) for the renovation of official residences in Abuja and Lagos. Critics argue that this is an unnecessary allocation given the existing presidential mansion in Lagos, which is rarely used.
The supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion (about $5 billion) has drawn attention, particularly for including N1.5 billion for vehicles for the Office of the First Lady, an entity not constitutionally recognized. The budget also originally featured a controversial N5 billion yacht, which faced public backlash, leading the National Assembly to remove it from the allocation.
Additional allocations in the supplementary budget include N2.9 billion for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Presidential Villa and another N2.9 billion for replacing operational vehicles for the presidency.
Renovations of the presidential and vice-presidential residences are also planned, with N4 billion designated for the president’s residence and N2.5 billion for the vice president’s residence. The proposed State House budget is N28 billion, with N12.5 billion allocated for the Presidential Air Fleet.