Social commentator Mahdi Shehu has sharply criticized how budgets in Nigeria are prepared and executed, arguing that they primarily benefit a select few rather than the general populace. In a recent interview on AIT, Shehu described Nigerian budgets as annual rituals with repeated figures that have little real impact on ordinary Nigerians' lives. He questioned why certain budget items like buying tractors, fertilizer, and pilgrimage provisions are repeatedly included year after year without meaningful change or results.
Shehu stressed that budgets should focus on solving real societal problems and be developed through direct consultation with the grassroots. He pointed out that there is no evidence that governors or senators consult the lowest levels of society before preparing budgets.
Highlighting widespread corruption, he referenced a staggering $210 trillion allegedly missing from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). He lamented that budget figures often disappear "like spirits" and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman to take decisive action rather than merely making statements.
Shehu concluded with a dire warning that corruption is destroying Nigeria and called for urgent accountability for those responsible.