BREAKING: Dino Melaye Exposes Almajiri Commission’s ₦1.4 Billion Road Project Scam in Ogun State
ABUJA, Nigeria — Outspoken former Senator Dino Melaye has once again shone a spotlight on alleged irregularities in Nigeria’s 2026 budget, raising serious questions about fiscal responsibility and priority setting in the Tinubu administration.
In a widely circulated post on X (Formerly Twitter), Melaye drew attention to a ₦1.4 billion (about $1.1 million) allocation by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.
The Abuja-headquartered agency, tasked with tackling Nigeria’s alarming number of out-of-school children, is reportedly funding the “Rehabilitation & Construction of Obasanjo-Itele Road & Idogo Township Road” in Ogun State — far from its core operational focus.
The revelation has triggered widespread criticism. Many Nigerians wonder why an education-focused commission is venturing into road infrastructure projects in a specific southwestern location instead of channeling resources directly toward its primary mandate of educating vulnerable Almajiri children and reducing the out-of-school population, which remains one of Africa’s highest.
This latest controversy adds to mounting public skepticism about the 2026 budget process.
Earlier issues, including IMF-noted unrecorded expenditures and allocations to questionable entities, have already heightened concerns over transparency, potential favoritism, and efficient use of scarce public resources amid ongoing economic challenges.
Nigeria continues to grapple with millions of out-of-school children, particularly in northern states where the Almajiri system persists.
Diverting significant funds from this critical sector to other projects—however worthy road rehabilitation may be — risks undermining efforts to address educational deficits that fuel poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
Melaye’s intervention, as a vocal critic and former lawmaker, has polarized opinions. Supporters praise his vigilance in exposing perceived waste, while detractors question his timing and motives.
Regardless, the claim underscores the urgent need for rigorous legislative oversight, independent audits, and citizen engagement in budget monitoring.
As the 2027 elections approach, issues of fiscal prudence and public service delivery are likely to dominate political discourse.
For millions of struggling families, every naira misallocated represents lost opportunities for their children’s futures.
The National Assembly, the relevant ministry, and the Commission itself would do well to provide clear, transparent explanations for this allocation.
In a democracy, public funds must serve the public good—not hidden interests. Nigerians deserve nothing less than full accountability.
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