According to research by The PUNCH, between 2018 and 2022, almost N14.79 billion was set aside for presidential committees within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. In order to advance the government’s numerous agendas, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) inaugurated at least 10 committees and councils in 2022.
The committees cover a range of industries, including those in the public service, digital economy, security, and health. According to information obtained by our correspondent, the presidential committees sucked in N14.79 billion between 2018 and 2022.
The Federal Government set aside approximately N14. 97 billion for sitting allowances and other compensation for members of the presidential committees between 2018 and 2022 in order to maintain the committees’ operations. 2018 saw the Secretary of the Government of the Federation which oversees the operations of the committees, earmarked N2. 13bn for the panels.
However, in an interview with our correspondent, a sociopolitical activist and leader of the Concerned Nigerians advocacy group, described the spending as “money down the drain”.