President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are reportedly on a collision course over allegations of budget padding in Nigeria’s 2024 fiscal plan, which could have serious political repercussions for both leaders. According to sources close to the matter, tensions have arisen following claims that a staggering N687 billion was added to the 2024 national budget under the guise of Zonal Intervention Project Funds (ZIPF).
The controversy began when Akpabio reportedly assured Tinubu that each of the 109 Senators and 360 House of Representatives members would receive N3 billion and N1 billion, respectively, for their ZIPF allocations, totaling N687 billion. However, investigations have revealed a significant discrepancy in the disbursement of these funds. Rather than the promised amounts, lawmakers allegedly received only a fraction—N250 million for Senators and N200 million for House members.
Sources have suggested that the majority of the N687 billion was diverted through various agencies and reallocated as contracts to Akpabio’s allies and business associates. A key figure in this scheme, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, is said to have facilitated the rerouting of substantial portions of the padded budget into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an agency with significant ties to Akpabio’s political base.
Eyewitnesses to the NDDC budget deliberations report that more than half of the N1.9 trillion proposed 2024 NDDC budget is earmarked for projects in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio’s home state, which raises questions about the propriety of these allocations. One insider called the NDDC 2024 budget “one of the most scandalous documents” they’ve ever seen.
The fallout from the controversy is growing. More than 78 Senators, including members of the South West Caucus, have reportedly signaled their intention to back the impeachment of Akpabio. While the Senate leadership is currently divided, the lawmakers are reportedly waiting for a signal from President Tinubu before proceeding with any formal action.
