By By Muminat Ajide
The Nigeria Space Research Agency (NASRDA) has faced criticism for its 2024 budget, which has now included allocations for projects clearly unrelated to its core mission of space research and satellite development.
The agency, responsible for advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities, has allocated funds for purchasing motorcycles, installing solar street lights, and Toyota Hilux utility sports vehicles for sensitization purposes.
In its budget:
50 million naira is allocated for supplying motorcycles to the Mbakpor community.
75 million naira is allocated for the supply and installation of three-in-one solar street lights in the Kachia/Kagarlo federal constituency.
Additionally, 80 million naira is allocated for the supply of Toyota Hilux utility sports vehicles for sensitization against rape and premature unwanted pregnancy in the local area of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State.
Critics have raised questions about NASRDA’s involvement in what are traditionally considered constituency projects aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and amenities.
A critic stated that “Norm” in our budgetary system. Those projects are what they refer to as constituency projects…kept for senators and Hons. What is the business of NSRDA with training of traditional leaders and clergy?”
However, this highlights ongoing challenges in resource allocation and accountability within Nigeria’s governmental bodies
