Juliana Francis
Furious Nigerians have taken to the Xspace to express their displeasure over the budgeting of N393.29 billion for streetlights in the 2025 Budget.
The staggering amount, which was slated for streetlights, was highlighted by BudgIT Nigeria @BudgITng.
An apparently shocked @BudgITng said: “With the amount of ‘Streetlights’ in this 2025 budget, Nigeria is supposed to be the Light of the World. 1,477 Streetlights for N393.29 billion, that’s N266 million per light. Are we installing the sun?
“Here are some of the insertions and how much they will cost. 538 Boreholes – N114.53 billion, 2,122 ICT Projects – N505.79 billion, 43 Community Town Halls – N17.23 billion, 561 Education Projects – N179.96 billion, 319 Health Projects – N420.09 billion, 32 Traditional Ruler Empowerment Projects – N6.74 billion, 1,380 Road Projects – N1.44 trillion and 24 Security Vehicles – N11.7 billion.”
Minutes after @BudgITng shared this information on its handle, Nigerians have been reacting, expressing anger.
Some of the reactions are captured below.
Uwem Ekpo, PhD@ekpotek, said: “The electrified street light installed and commissioned on Fajol-Agegunle road in Abeokuta has never worked for one day. Now, they are also installing solar streetlights to replace it. The amount of waste of public funds in this country is unbelievable.”
Stable Genius@maverickhills also has something to say about the streetlight budget. His words: “N226M per streetlight. We have deranged criminals in government. Wake up, Nigerians. Wake up.”
Osaro PhD, Csu.@OfficiaEdoOsasB, said: “I bought a Solar street light 45k, attached it to a pole with a Workman fee of 5k. Let’s assume they want to do a new painted pole that will enable them to customise the name of the company handling the project and the name of the senator facilitating the project, the total cost will be less than half a million.”
Agu – Izuwa!@codshalom77, stated: “@officialEFCC the Eagle or sorry the Pigeon will not see this one… It has been dead and dumb to what has been revealed is a #7 trillion budget padding heist by NASS.”
Abu Ameera@najeebismail1, “I believe it’s 1,477 streetlight projects. A single project can have up to a hundred light poles. So, it’s 266 million per project, which I think is costly, seeing the quality of the lighting being deployed.”
Chikwere@NwekereNdoki, also chirps in, “It’s the best way to steal money now, get a local welder and electriciam, discuss with them, agree on sharing, give him contract to weld solar light. Easy to do, easy to steal, not much complexity.”
Prince Dee (HRI)@Nithsmit, “This is why they were all decamping to the APC. I thought contractors would have to bid for federal projects. I will bid for the street lights, I can install them for 5 million per streetlight. The Senate should open the door for the contract bidding and stop looting.”
ease@Elohozynno, noted: “Sun installation is essential for a nation in darkness. Everywhere will be so bright that night will feel like daylight. Thieves and witches will not be able to operate. I support the budget, carry on.”
Alfred Idolor@idolax, said: “These kleptocrats are messing up and damaging the image of this great nation. They’re the real Yahoo Yahoo, and the eagle eyes @officialEFCC needs to do the needful. This madness needs to stop.”
MoNtU@benniett said: “In case you’re wondering why politicians and political sycophants are hailing Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the best thing after sliced bread, here is your answer. If the country works, who is going to make this mad money from “Streetlights” or from being the contractor? Na ronú I pity.”
Me@Thingummy_Fire, added to the discussion, “Unfortunately, those “streetlights” are not intended to light up anywhere in Nigeria, but their budgets are payments back to National Assembly members to recoup on their electoral expenses and to help them finance their next elections. That much is clear to every discerning mind.”
tha9jaboy@Tha9jaboy, has this to say: “I still don’t understand why this hasn’t gained enough traction. A lot of heads are supposed to be rolling by now. Efcc and ICPC should have dropped a statement by now. Sad reality that within a matter of weeks, this news will get washed away.”
PROUDLY OBIDIENT@official_wyreG, mentioned: “Nigeria is never poor, but we have greedy and poor-minded leaders. That same amount can facilitate establishment of a company that can produce same street lights and we become exporters bring in foreign investors and companies. Still, some bigots will defend them.”
kenechukwu®@Echi_di_ime, has something to say on the issue. His words: “24 security vehicles for 11.7b, that’s 487,500,000 for one vehicle? Is it not the usual pickup truck, or are they buying APC?”
Frank ✮@_Bigsub, said: “Can you give us data for street lights for last year, and the last govt. If possible, some areas that got billions are getting it again in not up to 3 years.”
Nieldabaddest @iam_Nielda, said: “Our polity is so rotten that the people in higher authority won’t move a muzzle, heads won’t roll neither will the EFCC swing to action. How can this wastages continue to happen year in year out that it has now become a norm. Majority are suffering in the country few peo dey enj.”
