Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has openly criticised the government’s decision to prioritise luxury projects over addressing the fundamental needs of its citizens.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV’s News Day programme, Lawal expressed his astonishment at the construction of a house valued at N15 billion, questioning the justification behind such an exorbitant expense.
He pondered aloud if the cost could be attributed to extravagant items such as the carpet, the bed, or the mattress in the house, reflecting his disbelief at the price tag.
Lawal suggested that such projects are being used by the government as distractions from more pressing issues facing the nation.
He argued that the focus on luxurious construction shifts attention away from critical problems like poverty and hunger, which are the daily realities for many Nigerians.
According to Lawal, these lavish expenditures serve to highlight the government’s misalignment with the needs of the average citizen.
He pointed out that symbols of national pride, such as the national anthem, hold little meaning for those who are struggling to survive.
Lawal emphasised that people who are dealing with the harsh realities of poverty and hunger cannot be appeased by patriotic symbols or grandiose projects.
Instead, he called for a more practical approach to governance that prioritises the welfare and needs of the populace.
Lawal said, “A house of N15 billion, what is in that house? What is it in that house that is N15 billion? The carpet, the bed, the mattress? What is it?
“So people understand this, and the government is busy doing minor things to distract attention.
“You talk of a new national anthem. The national anthem means nothing to the belly of a poor man, a hungry man, or a man who needs to dress well and go to work. What is the national anthem to him…..Discover More
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