An ex-minister reveals that in 2012, former President Jonathan discontinued first-class travel for ministers.

 

Former Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has revealed that during the fuel subsidy removal crisis in 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan implemented measures to reduce the cost of governance. Abdullahi disclosed that Jonathan limited each minister to the use of only two cars and discontinued first-class travel for cabinet members. Despite some ministers not fully complying with the directives, the ex-president urged reflection on the hardships faced by Nigerians, emphasizing the need to cut down on government expenses.

The disclosure comes amid discussions on the 2024 budget presented by President Bola Tinubu, labeled the 'Budget of Hope,' currently undergoing scrutiny by the National Assembly. Public reactions and concerns have arisen regarding the allocation of substantial funds to certain items in the proposed budget, leading to scrutiny by joint National Assembly Committees.

One such instance raised by the Committee on Trade and Industry was the allocation of N1 billion for a foreign trip to Geneva, Switzerland, by the Ministry of Trade and Investment. During the budget defense, lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole cautioned against over-bloated teams during official travels, emphasizing the importance of controlling the cost of governance.

Additionally, the State House earmarked N9.5 billion for the purchase of tires for bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, operational vehicles, plain cars, and the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants. Notably, N160 billion was allocated to purchase SUVs for lawmakers of the National Assembly.

Abdullahi, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, emphasized the need for a reduction in the cost of governance. He expressed that Nigerians would have applauded the National Assembly if they had demonstrated sensitivity to the people's struggles by allocating funds to constituencies and investing in Nigerian-made cars. Abdullahi recalled the clarity of Jonathan's principles during the fuel subsidy crisis, highlighting the importance of such decisions in the current economic context.