By Biodun Ojekunle
As Nigeria faces a severe economic downturn, the government’s disconnect from the people’s struggles becomes increasingly evident. While the average Nigerian endures mounting socioeconomic challenges, government officials continue as though immune to the urgency for economic deliverance and renewed hope for the poor.
Among the ministers, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, stands out due to significant support from President Tinubu. Despite this backing, Musawa has struggled to justify the confidence placed in her. She now plans to spend about three billion naira on cultural research and development, raising questions due to the absence of a clear and effective delivery system.
This substantial budget allocation, approved by the National Assembly, has sparked widespread concern. Approving such a large sum during economic instability appears insensitive to the dire conditions faced by Nigerians. The anti-corruption agency’s scrutiny of former ministers further underscores the need for accountability and transparency in government spending.
The necessity of such a large budget for cultural research remains dubious, with many questioning potential misuse of funds within Musawa’s ministry. Notably, her 2024 budget includes allocations for road construction in her home state of Katsina and Bichi, Kano, where her father grew up. This raises concerns of nepotism and extends beyond the ministry’s mandate. Road construction is typically the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, making these allocations highly questionable.
Publicly available budget documents reveal that the Ministry of Culture’s eleven agencies also contain overlapping allocations, often disguised under different project titles. This suggests potential budget padding and financial mismanagement at a time when the Nigerian populace is suffering.
Nigerians are keenly observing these developments, noting that the renewed hope agenda is being undermined by perceived failures within the government, particularly by ministers like Hannatu Musa Musawa. Her recent announcement to revive the defunct Abuja Carnival in November, despite its clash with the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), further illustrates a lack of strategic planning and coordination within her ministry.
As we approach the May 29 Democracy Day celebrations, there is growing anticipation that underperforming ministers will be held accountable. Musawa’s tenure, marked by questionable budget allocations and perceived underperformance, may well come under scrutiny as part of a broader call for effective governance and responsible use of public funds.
In summary, the call for economic deliverance and renewed hope appears skewed against the poor, with government officials like Hannatu Musa Musawa seemingly out of touch with the pressing needs of the nation. As Nigeria watches and waits, it remains to be seen whether the promises of a better future will be fulfilled or if they will remain empty words overshadowed by poor governance and fiscal irresponsibility.
