BudgIT, a civic-tech non-profit organization, has raised eyebrows regarding the recent 2024 budget allocations for the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research in Lagos. The institute is set to receive over N5 billion specifically for road construction, along with an additional N1.5 billion earmarked for streetlight installation.

In a recent post on its X account, BudgIT drew attention to these unusual budgetary choices, highlighting that the institute is also expected to supply tricycles and motorcycles valued at over N300 million.

ALSO READ: Abdul Samad Rabiu Pledges N2 Billion to Aid Maiduguri Flood Victims

BudgIT expressed concern over the relevance of these allocations, questioning how road construction and the distribution of tricycles align with the institute’s primary mission of ocean and marine research.

The organization’s post provocatively stated, “Nigerians, just when you think you’ve seen it all! The Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, @NiomrLagos, has been allocated over N5 billion for road construction, N1.5 billion for streetlights, and over N300 million for tricycles and motorcycles. What do road construction and ‘keke’ distribution have to do with ocean and marine research?”