The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Senate President, Henry Okunomo has said that in view of prevailing economic situation bedeviling the country that President Bola Tinubu should take bold and decisive action to substantially reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.
The NANS Senate President made this known in a press statement signed and issued on Thursday to press in Kano
According to him,” The current profligate spending on the maintenance of government officials, unnecessary white-elephant projects, and other frivolous expenditures has become an albatross on the nation’s resources, stifling the much-needed development in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.”
He added that “sort of egregious that the country’s coffers are being depleted by the sheer weight of unsustainable governance costs, while the masses suffer the debilitating consequences of underfunding in essential areas are uncalled for.”
The NANS Senate President lamented that the situation has become increasingly untenable, with the nation’s resources being squandered on opulent lifestyles and grandiose projects, rather than being judiciously utilized to better the lives of Nigerian citizens.
He emphasised that the time has come for a paradigm shift in the way the country is governed, with a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
“We can no longer afford to indulge in the extravagance of the past. The future of Nigeria depends on our ability to make sacrifices today.
“We demand a radical reduction in the cost of governance, and a corresponding increase in investment in the critical sectors that will drive our nation’s growth and development,” the statement read.
The NANS Senate President also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s budget, with a view to eliminating waste, redundancies, and unnecessary expenditures. He stressed that the era of business-as-usual is over, and that Nigerians will no longer tolerate a situation where their resources are being squandered with impunity.
He emphasised that a significant reduction in the cost of governance would be a bold testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda, and would undoubtedly cement his legacy as a leader who prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian people.
He said, “Mr. President, by taking this crucial step, you will not only be ushering in a new era of fiscal responsibility and transparency but also ensuring that your name remains indelibly etched in the annals of Nigerian history as a champion of the people.
“Your leadership will be remembered for generations to come as a beacon of hope and a shining example of selfless governance.”
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then