Afederal lawmaker has revealed the staggering amounts of public funds Nigerian lawmakers now receive for so-called “constituency projects.”Travel guides

The lawmaker revealed that significantly more funds have been allocated to so-called ‘constituency projects’—often used to pad budgets—since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidy.

He claimed that no Senator in the country currently gets less than N2 billion, while House of Representatives members now pocket a minimum of N1 billion each.

The lawmaker, whose name SaharaReporters has yet to ascertain, disclosed this at a recent public gathering in Osun State while addressing members of his constituency.

His statement has ignited fresh outrage over the deepening culture of corruption, impunity, and opaque spending in Nigeria’s legislative arm.Travel guides

He said, “I understand the functions of National Assembly members, and I want people to know that there is no honourable member—quote me anywhere; I am saying it publicly. We have nine honourable members from Osun State. There has been no honourable member since Tinubu’s inauguration who is getting constituency projects less than N1 billion. Before, it was not up to that. The increment started last year.”

According to him, the budget hike followed the removal of fuel subsidy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This move has plunged millions of Nigerians into unprecedented hardship while simultaneously padding the pockets of political elites.

“Immediately they removed subsidy and our governor started getting more funds, the same thing became applicable to Senators and honourable members,” he said. “If a House of Representatives member is doing some projects, don’t think he is using his personal fund.”

The lawmaker went on to stress that: “Now, there is no Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with constituency projects less than N2 billion.”Travel guides

This revelation directly contradicts the public image often portrayed by lawmakers who claim to be struggling for their people, while in reality, they preside over bloated budgets shrouded in secrecy and execute largely untraceable or abandoned projects under the guise of constituency development.

SaharaReporters has previously documented how constituency projects have become one of the most abused avenues for looting public funds, with contracts often awarded to cronies, inflated, or left uncompleted.

Projects are sometimes either ghost initiatives or shoddily executed without any tangible impact.

Despite receiving trillions of naira since the return of democracy in 1999 for such projects, many communities across Nigeria remain in dire poverty, lacking basic infrastructure such as water, schools, and health centres.

While ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle with the soaring cost of living, crippling inflation, and poor service delivery, lawmakers are enjoying fat allocations with zero transparency.

The Nigerian Army has intensified its counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East with a successful aerial reconnaissance and clearance operation in the notorious Sambisa Forest, resulting in the neutralization of several Boko Haram terrorists and the destruction of weapons intended for large-scale attacks.

The operation, which took place on Monday, May 13, 2025, was part of Operation HADIN KAI, the ongoing military campaign aimed at eradicating terrorist elements from the region. According to a statement posted on the verified Nigerian Army Facebook page, troops identified enemy positions around Garin Baaba during an aerial surveillance mission.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in their continued efforts to flush out terrorists from the Sambisa Forest, conducted aerial reconnaissance which led to the identification of enemy positions at Garin Baaba,” the statement read.

Following the reconnaissance, ground troops engaged the terrorists in a swift and coordinated attack, leading to the elimination of several Boko Haram fighters. The operation also led to the recovery of arms and ammunition believed to have been stockpiled for major attacks.

Among the recovered items were bomb containers for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), various Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and pressure plates, typically used in the assembly of deadly roadside bombs.

The Army confirmed that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams successfully neutralized the threat by detonating the explosives on-site, ensuring safety for advancing troops and nearby communities.

“Clearance operations in the area are ongoing,” the Army added, signaling a continued military presence in the area to prevent regrouping by terrorist factions.

Sambisa Forest, once a stronghold of Boko Haram, has been the focus of sustained military campaigns in recent years. This latest operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain pressure on insurgent groups and restore security to affected regions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly sent a letter of invitation to former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse and financial misconduct.

Sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that the letter was delivered earlier this week, and the Commission is currently awaiting Tompolo’s response.

The sources clarified that the invitation is procedural and not an arrest warrant but stressed the EFCC’s expectation of his cooperation.

“An invitation letter has been sent to Tompolo,” one source told Sahara Reporters.

The development follows public outrage over a viral video that emerged in April showing Tompolo celebrating what appeared to be his 54th birthday.

In the video, which trended widely on social media platform X, Tompolo was seen dancing while being sprayed with bundles of ₦1,000 notes.

The EFCC came under heavy criticism after the footage surfaced, with Nigerians accusing the agency of double standards.

Many pointed out that while celebrities like Bobrisky, E-Money, Iyabo Ojo, and comedian AY had faced interrogation or prosecution for similar offences, Tompolo appeared to have been ignored.

Politics Nigeria