Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, has consistently allocated significant funds for its daily operations and members’ salaries. This practice, while a routine aspect of government, has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the country’s numerous socio-economic challenges. The real question at the heart of the matter is whether the National Assembly is fulfilling its part of the social contract and how its actions impact citizens’ survival.
Social contract theory, a concept rooted in the works of philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, posits that individuals come together to form a government in exchange for the protection of their rights and liberties. In this light, the government, including the National Assembly, is entrusted with the welfare of its citizens. However, concerns have been raised about whether the National Assembly’s budgetary allocations align with the principles of the social contract.
Recent budgetary allocations for the National Assembly in 2023, reaching a record N169 billion, have ignited a debate about the institution’s role in the social contract. To put this in perspective, until 2015, the annual allocations were N150 billion, and between 2015 and 2020, they stood at N125 billion. In 2021, the allocation was N128 billion, with the lawmakers increasing it further to N134 billion. In 2023, the allocation hit an unprecedented high of N169 billion.
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While it is essential to recognize the National Assembly’s need for operational expenses and salaries, it raises a significant question about whether these allocations genuinely serve the citizens and align with the principles of the social contract. The N169 billion allocation in 2023 could make a substantial difference in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, such as infrastructure deficits, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
A detailed breakdown of the budget reveals that the allocation is divided into various components, covering different aspects of the National Assembly’s operations. The National Assembly Management receives N15,967,404,815, the Senate is allocated N33,267,001,807, and the House of Representatives gets N51,994,511,954. The National Assembly Service Commission receives N5,734,166,662, while Legislative Aides are allocated N9,602,095,928. Other components include Public Accounts Committees, General Service, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Service Wide Vote, and the Office of the Retired Clerks and Permanent Secretaries.
As we assess these budgetary allocations, it is crucial to consider whether they reflect the values and priorities of the social contract. The government, including the National Assembly, holds a profound responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of its citizens. While the National Assembly certainly requires resources for effective operation, these allocations should not come at the expense of the nation’s development and the survival of its people.
Social contract theory emphasizes that the government should work in the best interests of its citizens, ensuring that the resources allocated benefit them directly. In a country where access to quality healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation are pressing concerns, the National Assembly must align its priorities with these needs. This is where the real test of the social contract lies.
A close examination of the budget also reveals that the National Assembly has made strides towards transparency and accountability. The ‘Open NASS’ policy, initiated during the 8th National Assembly, involved publishing details of its N139.5 billion budget expenditure in 2018. This transparency promotes a more informed public, enabling citizens to understand how these funds are utilized.
While transparency is vital, it is not the sole determinant of whether the National Assembly fulfils its part of the social contract. The critical question is whether the increased budgetary allocations translate into better representation, effective lawmaking, and enhanced oversight of government activities. These actions should directly contribute to the welfare and survival of the citizens they represent.
Addressing the nation’s pressing needs requires a balanced approach. The National Assembly should prioritize the allocation of resources to initiatives that genuinely benefit the citizens. In a country with significant infrastructure gaps, healthcare disparities, educational challenges, and a substantial poverty rate, the focus should be on addressing these issues to enhance citizens’ well-being and survival.
The actions of Nigeria’s National Assembly in terms of budgetary allocations must be evaluated within the framework of the social contract. The recent increases in fiscal allocations have sparked debate about whether the institution is fulfilling its obligations to the citizens and whether these allocations align with the principles of the social contract.
The social contract obliges the government, including the National Assembly, to prioritize the welfare and rights of its citizens. While operational expenses and salaries are necessary, the primary focus should be on initiatives that address the pressing issues of infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to addressing the needs of the people should guide the National Assembly’s actions. It is through these efforts that the institution can effectively serve its role in the social contract, ensuring the survival and welfare of all Nigerians and contributing to a more just and prosperous society.