BudgIT, the civic-tech organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, has raised concerns over the 2025 Federal Government Budget under President Bola Tinubu.
The organization called on the National Assembly to address irregularities in the proposed budget and ensure public participation in the review process to guarantee that the final budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians, focusing on job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.
According to BudgIT’s Communications Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, a review of past budget performances highlights that the government often misses its macroeconomic targets, leading to fiscal risks, mounting public debt, and unforeseen financial obligations.
One major issue identified by BudgIT is the omission of budget breakdowns for critical Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2025 proposal.
Notably absent are allocations for the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which stand at 341.63 billion and 940.5 billion, respectively.
BudgIT also pointed out the absence of budget details for over 60 government-owned enterprises (GOEs), including key agencies such as the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The organization also raised concerns over the way regional development commission budgets were classified under personnel costs.
A combined N2.49 trillion was allocated to five regional commissions, but BudgIT argued that this classification obscures the true operational costs and hinders transparency in fund utilization.
Additionally, BudgIT highlighted the omission of funding for the crucial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, a significant infrastructure initiative that could face delays or require fund reallocation if not addressed in the budget.
The group also criticized the lavish retirement package proposed for military generals, which contradicts President Tinubu’s earlier commitment to reduce the cost of governance.
BudgIT expressed concerns that such provisions could inflate the budget, worsen the fiscal deficit, and demoralize lower-ranking military personnel who lack sufficient retirement benefits and healthcare.
BudgIT urged lawmakers to prioritize national interests and ensure the 2025 budget promotes macroeconomic stability, equitable development, and addresses the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.
