State of the nation: ActionAid board demands budget review for ordinary Nigerians

The Board of Directors of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for an immediate and thorough review of budgetary allocations, focusing on policies that directly impact the well-being and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians rather than benefiting only those in office.

It made the call on Sunday in Abuja in a communiqué of the boards’ 51st meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State and jointly signed by the board chair, Dr Jummai Umar Ajijola and vice chair, Mr. Mac Amarere.

“We call on lawmakers to re-evaluate the government’s spending priorities. We urge both the federal and state governments to prioritise economic revitalisation measures over luxury expenditure.

“The board of directors calls for scrutiny of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed budget to ensure it serves all Nigerians with effective implementation strategies, transparency and accountability measures.

• Polio: Gombe targets 981,710 children for vaccination
• Remi Tinubu gives scholarship, N5m to freed Katsina varsity students

‘We demand inclusivity in the budget review process; oppose increasing the tax burden on the poor or excessive borrowing, and recommend progressive revenue-generation strategies, including cutting down the cost of governance,” the communiqué said. The AAN board said addressing these issues requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to pave the way for a more equitable future.

It also condemned the devastating incident in Kaduna, resulting from a mistaken military airstrike during a religious gathering, causing significant loss of life and injury.

“We demand that the federal government establishes an independent team, inclusive of civil society organisations, and religious and traditional leaders, to conduct an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into this tragic event and ensure transparent communication throughout the investigative process.

‘The affected families deserve justice, and those responsible must be held accountable.

“The state government must also facilitate the immediate provision of medical assistance to the injured and address the pressing needs of the affected communities.

‘As advocates for social justice, we stand resolute in demanding swift action to prevent such incidents in the future and to reassure citizens of their safety,” it said.