Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the lack of a detailed expenditure breakdown to justify the recent increase in Nigeria’s 2025 national budget.
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, raised the proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. The increment was communicated through separate letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Reacting to the development, Obi emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in how government resources are allocated. In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, the former Anambra State governor said Nigerians deserve a clear breakdown of how funds are being spent to ensure they contribute meaningfully to national development and the well-being of citizens.
He also pointed out that Nigerians are yet to receive a detailed account of the execution of the Renewed Hope budget, passed in December 2023. He urged the National Assembly to take this opportunity to obtain and publicly disclose the full details of the 2024 budget.
“While the sources of this revenue were detailed, there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase”, Obi stated.
“For transparency and accountability, Nigerians need to know how the resources generated from them are being allocated to ensure they are judiciously spent on the country’s development and the well-being of the people.
He further stressed that budget allocations should prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation.
“As we work towards passing the Budget of Restoration for 2025, let us uphold openness, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation”,he added.
