Former Shell lawyer, Madaki Ameh has renewed calls for transparency in public service remuneration, citing what he described as startling budgetary figures to underscore the deep inequality between political office holders and ordinary civil servants in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Signature TV, Ameh argued that making the salaries and allowances of civil servants and top government officials public would help Nigerians better understand how public funds are allocated and spent. He said secrecy around government earnings and expenditures continues to fuel mistrust and public anger.
While reacting to discussions on governance and public accountability, Ameh referenced information he said was contained in the 2024 national budget, particularly concerning presidential expenditure. “One thing that you said that really impressed me is the information I’m privy to as well, is the fact that in the 2024 budget, the president’s budget for his personal food in his house is N9 billion,” he said.
Breaking down the figure, Ameh added, “N9 billion divided by 365 days comes to an average of about N250 million a day.” According to him, such figures raise serious moral and policy questions in a country where millions of citizens and civil servants struggle to meet basic needs.
The former Shell lawyer argued that when viewed against the backdrop of low wages in the civil service, such spending highlights the urgent need for transparency and equity in governance. He maintained that public officials are funded by taxpayers and therefore owe Nigerians a duty of openness regarding how resources are used.
Ameh noted that many civil servants earn wages that barely cover transportation, food, and housing, especially amid rising inflation and a weakening naira. He said the contrast between luxury spending at the top and hardship at the bottom contributes to growing frustration and disillusionment among citizens.
