Covering The Culture Of Wastage In Nigeria

Wastage is an avoidable lose of something valuable. The culture of wastage is gradually becoming a normal practice among Nigerians. Ironically, this is happening in the mist of so much lack and in adequate of resources for numerous individuals needs and public demands. The ground display of so much wealth by the rich and privilege few in the society is common. The not so privilege on the other hand, only watch hoping that tomorrow would be better. Why the not so patient held themselves with what the can steal. The perpetuation of the culture of wastage by individuals maybe difficult to cartel, but what excuse do government agencies have for apparent neglect of government properties, to the extent of allowing them to depreciate beyond salvation. Government vehicles, furniture and other facilities readily come to mind.

It is common to see vehicles that would be repair and put back to use are allowed to rot, broken table and chairs which could be fix has torn away. Over time such item could not be accounted for and moneys most have been made available to replace them. It said that the leadership which has the power to auction them to staff or ensure they are repaired and put back to use often look the other way. When the constituted authorities consciously or unconsciously exhibit neglect, over what they should protect, preserve or maintain as part of their responsibility, one begins to wonder if there is no other way. The burning of goods seize by regulatory agencies for instance is very common. Equally, vehicles taken from person for one crime or the other by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission are left to waste.

Nigerians also seen properties confiscated from corrupt political office holders, money launderers and fraudsters left unattended to allowing it to waste. Observers have suggested that fabric seize by the customs or sure other items could be donated to orphanages or schools rather than burning them. So many agencies including securities establishment, lack operational vehicles. One would have expected the EFCC and even the custom to donate vehicles seize or confiscated to such agencies rather than acquiring space to store them indefinitely. In the case of crude oil seize by the JTF, it could be channeled to good use. Handing over drums of the stolen oil to government refinery should be a better option than spilling on the already devastated land.

For properties particularly buildings taken from money launderers they could be allocated to government agencies in dying need of office space. The law establishing such agencies may not include the mandate to channel seize goods or properties in a way to benefit to the larger society, the laws could be review to cope them the necessary power to act right.