- Obi demands transparency in Tinubu’s ₦54.2 trillion budget.
- He questions the lack of expenditure breakdown.
- He urges lawmakers to prioritize accountability.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for greater transparency in the federal government’s revised ₦54.2 trillion budget for 2025.
President Bola Tinubu raised the proposed Budget of Restoration from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, citing increased revenue from key government agencies.
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The adjustment was announced in letters to the Senate and House of Representatives and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday.
Tinubu explained that the increase came from additional revenue sources, including ₦1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and ₦1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies.
However, in a Friday statement on X (formerly Twitter), Obi pointed out that while the government detailed revenue sources, there was no clear breakdown of expenditures to justify the budget increase.
“For transparency and accountability, Nigerians need to know how their resources are being allocated to ensure they are judiciously spent on national development and citizens’ welfare,” Obi stated.
He stressed that budget allocations should focus on education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation to create meaningful impact.
Obi also highlighted the lack of transparency in the execution of the Renewed Hope budget, which was passed in December 2023, urging the government to clarify how those funds have been spent.
“I call on the National Assembly to obtain and publicly disclose the full details of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope. Transparency is crucial for accountability and informed decision-making,” he added.
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The ex-governor urged lawmakers to prioritize openness in budget discussions, emphasizing that transparency is key to restoring public trust.
“As we work towards passing the 2025 Budget of Restoration, let us uphold accountability and the welfare of Nigerians. We owe it to our children and the future of our great nation,” Obi concluded.
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