Senator Oshiomole slams JAMB over lavish spending and vehicle allocation: Call for fiscal accountability

DDM News

During a Senate hearing on January 12, 2025, aired on Voice TV, Senator Adams Oshiomole strongly criticized the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Chairman over the organization’s proposed budget. The hearing took place at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The information about the hearing was gathered and reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), which covered the session and provided detailed insights into the discussions, particularly regarding the vehicle allocation policy.

Oshiomole specifically focused on JAMB’s vehicle allocation policy, which he argued violated the government’s monetization policy.

The monetization policy was put in place to reduce unnecessary expenses, such as providing costly vehicles to high-ranking officials in government agencies.

While Oshiomole acknowledged that lower-ranking staff may be entitled to vehicles, he expressed concern over the allocation practices that seemed to favor senior management.

He stated, “I have no problem if it is something that goes down to level 8, level 9, level 10, level 12.

“But usually, this is something that just hovers around the MD, level 17, level 13—a few privileged people.”

The Senator’s comments pointed out that resources were being unfairly concentrated among top officials, leaving little to benefit lower-ranking employees.

Oshiomole also questioned the management of JAMB’s assets, particularly the vehicles the organization had purchased in previous years.

He asked,

“What happened to the ones you procured last year,

“The year before,

“Or three years ago?

“What is the depreciation policy?”

His question highlighted the lack of transparency in asset management, which he suggested was leading to inefficiency and waste.

With Nigeria facing economic challenges, the use of taxpayer money has become an increasingly sensitive issue.

Oshiomole also took aim at JAMB’s overall spending, comparing it to the lavish expenditures of wealthy nations.

“So, on the whole, when I look at your expenditure, you spend as if you are in Saudi Arabia because the resources that you are drawing are from people who can hardly pay it,” he remarked.

This comparison emphasized the stark contrast between the agency’s budget and the financial realities faced by many Nigerians, who struggle with daily expenses.

The exchange between Senator Oshiomole and the JAMB Chairman is a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

As institutions like JAMB manage significant resources, it is crucial for them to align their practices with the principles of fiscal responsibility and fairness.

Oshiomole’s challenge to JAMB represents just one example of the increasing scrutiny on government agencies as the public demands more efficient and accountable management of taxpayer money.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook