Senator Dino Melaye has expressed strong criticism of the current government’s spending during an interview with Arise News on Monday, September 8, 2025.
He highlighted a significant increase in the National Assembly’s budget under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that it has risen from N150 billion during the eighth Senate to over N370 billion today.
Melaye suggested that this increase was intended to elevate the National Assembly to the status of a parastatal or department directly linked to the presidency.
He further criticized President Tinubu for actions that contradict his campaign promises to curb wastage and bring renewed hope to Nigerians.
According to Melaye, the president has purchased a yacht and an aircraft, which he described as extravagant.
He also pointed to the government’s borrowing as being higher than that of any previous administration in the country.
“In the eighth Senate, the budget of the National Assembly was N150 billion. Today, Tinubu has increased the budget of the National Assembly to over N370 billion, effectively making it a parastatal or department of the Villa. A president who said he was coming to curb wastage and bring renewed hope has bought a yacht, purchased an aircraft, increased the National Assembly’s budget, and borrowed more than any president in this country,” Melaye lamented.
“This has reached a point where even the Speaker of the House of Representatives is concerned, despite being a member of the APC. We will not be surprised if the president starts borrowing from Opay and Moniepoint very soon,” he added.
Melaye’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about fiscal responsibility and government spending in Nigeria, particularly as the country grapples with debt and economic challenges.
His comments shows the tension between government promises and actions, raising questions about transparency and priorities in public financial management.
