Segun Sanni, a key figure in the Afenifere socio-political group, has openly criticized the Nigerian government for its excessive spending, despite the country’s ongoing financial struggles. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sanni expressed concern over the extravagant lifestyles of government officials while the average Nigerian continues to face severe economic hardship.

Sanni called on the government to acknowledge the country’s financial difficulties and take necessary steps to reduce its expenses. He highlighted that Nigeria is indeed broke, but the government’s luxurious spending does not reflect this harsh reality. According to him, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as large salaries for public officials and extravagant projects, would show Nigerians that the government is serious about addressing the nation’s financial woes.

“The government can’t claim Nigeria is broke and continue to spend on itself like this. We hear about huge sums being spent on projects like a new lodge for the Vice President and the renovation of Aso Rock, but very little is being done to ease the suffering of ordinary Nigerians,” Sanni said.

Sanni also criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for a lack of transparency, accusing the organization of operating without proper oversight. He stated that the audit released by NNPC in 2023 could not be trusted, as it failed to provide accurate information about how the corporation manages the country’s oil revenues.

To resolve these financial challenges, Sanni proposed that the government adopt austerity measures, ensuring that every naira is spent wisely and accounted for. He stressed the importance of responsible spending at all levels of government to secure a more stable financial future for Nigeria.

“Every government dollar or naira needs to be judiciously spent. The government should focus on managing resources efficiently, especially in these difficult times,” Sanni added.

The call for responsible governance and financial transparency echoes the concerns of many Nigerians who are looking for real solutions to the country’s economic challenges.