Abuja: The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzor Okereke, has vowed to overhaul Nigeria’s budgeting and procurement systems if elected president in 2027. Okereke, who expressed these plans during his appearance on the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series on Sunday, emphasized the inadequacy of the current system in addressing poverty and under-development in the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okereke criticized the envelop budgeting system, stating that it is ineffective for driving economic development. He advocated for a shift to a zero-based budgeting system, where every budget item is justified with a clear economic impact. Okereke believes that addressing budgetary and procurement challenges could solve nearly 60 percent of the country’s poverty and security issues.
The presidential candidate also highlighted the importance of focusing on the well-being of Nigerians over geographical considerations. He expressed his commitment to building a just and merit-based society, which he sees as essential for reducing poverty. Okereke noted the widespread hopelessness among Nigerians, who often feel that opportunities are inaccessible without personal connections.
Okereke argued for a transparent and fair job market, where individuals can apply for positions with confidence in their potential success. He criticized the current trend of Nigerians seeking education abroad due to better opportunities and conditions, labeling it as a loss of resources and talent. Okereke’s vision is for Nigerians to have competitive conditions domestically, reducing the need for emigration.