Luxury at the Top, Struggles at the Bottom: Time to Rethink Governance
In a country where millions live below the poverty line, Nigeria spends billions maintaining its political class. Lavish convoys, endless allowances, unnecessary trips, bloated government structures—these are not fiction. They are the real and painful symptoms of a government that costs too much but delivers too little.
According to BudgIT, a civic tech organization that tracks public spending in Nigeria, a significant portion of the national budget goes into recurrent expenditure—salaries, allowances, vehicles, furniture, and feeding for elected officials and government workers. Meanwhile, hospitals lack basic equipment, schools are falling apart, and the average Nigerian hustles every day just to eat.
💸 What Is “Cost of Governance”?
It refers to how much it takes to run the government: salaries, offices, logistics, and benefits for politicians and civil servants. The problem isn’t just the amount—it’s that we’re not getting value for the money spent.
For instance:
Lawmakers earn over ₦29 million per quarter, while the minimum wage is ₦30,000 per month.
Governors and ministers receive allowances for almost everything: housing, wardrobe, estacode (travel), hardship—even newspapers.
🚨 Why It Matters to You
1. Less Money for Development: The more that goes to government luxury, the less is left for roads, schools, and electricity.
2. Debt Burden: Nigeria borrows trillions every year. But when the money is spent wastefully, we’re simply passing suffering to future generations.
3. Inequality Grows: A government that is top-heavy cannot serve its people well. It only widens the gap between the rich and poor.
🔍 The Way Forward
Demand Transparency: Ask questions about how your state or local government is spending public money.
Support Lean Governance: Advocate for a smaller, more efficient government that prioritizes people over power.
Vote Wisely: Elect leaders who are frugal, service-minded, and accountable—not those seeking power for personal gain.
It’s time Nigerians realized that we pay the price for every selfish decision at the top. When leaders live in excess while the masses cry out, that’s not democracy—it’s injustice.
Adedayo Obadina
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