NANS urges Tinubu to cut governance costs to combat hunger crisis

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Senate President, Henry Okunomo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take bold and decisive measures to significantly reduce the cost of governance. This statement was issued in a press release on Thursday during a press conference held in Kano.

Okunomo emphasized that the current economic situation in the country demands immediate action to curtail what he described as “profligate spending” on government officials, extravagant projects, and other unnecessary expenditures.

He lamented that these costs have become a severe burden on the nation’s resources, hampering essential development in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“The sheer weight of unsustainable governance costs is depleting the country’s coffers while the masses suffer the debilitating consequences of underfunding in essential areas,” Okunomo stated, making it clear that the current financial mismanagement is unacceptable.

He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that resources are being squandered on opulent lifestyles and grandiose projects rather than being effectively utilized to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens. “It is egregious that while the government indulges in extravagance, the average citizen grapples with hunger and poverty,” he added.

Okunomo called for a paradigm shift in governance, advocating for a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. He insisted that the time has come to abandon the excesses of the past, stating,

“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.”

The NANS Senate President made a strong case for a radical reduction in the cost of governance, urging the government to redirect funds towards critical sectors that will drive national growth and development. He also demanded a comprehensive review of the national budget to eliminate waste, redundancies, and unnecessary expenditures.

“The era of business-as-usual is over. Nigerians will no longer tolerate the squandering of their resources with impunity,” he declared, underscoring the need for a significant transformation in how public funds are managed.

Okunomo posited that a substantial reduction in governance costs would serve as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda, potentially solidifying his legacy as a leader who prioritizes the welfare of the Nigerian people.

“Mr. President, by taking this crucial step, you will not only usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility and transparency but also ensure that your name remains indelibly etched in the annals of Nigerian history as a champion of the people,” he concluded. “Your leadership will be remembered for generations to come as a beacon of hope and a shining example of selfless governance.”