BudgIT raises alarm over N’Assembly’s insertion of projects worth N6.93tn in 2025 budget
BudgIT announced on Monday that its investigation uncovered the National Assembly’s addition of 11,122 projects worth N6.93 trillion to the 2025 budget, prompting serious concerns regarding political manipulation and fiscal irresponsibility.
The civic tech organization, which advocates for transparency in public finance, highlighted these troubling findings in a detailed review.
In a post on X, BudgIT remarked, “We have combed through the 2025 FG Budget, and you will be shocked at what we found.” Reports indicate that the National Assembly approved a total 2025 budget of N54.99 trillion, which was increased from an initial figure of N49.7 trillion following President Bola Tinubu’s request for adjustments.
Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s country director, criticized the situation, stating, “The insertion of over 11,000 projects worth N6.93 trillion into the 2025 budget is not just alarming, it is an assault on fiscal responsibility.” He emphasized that this ongoing trend undermines the integrity of national budgeting, distorts development priorities, and diverts valuable resources to political elites.
BudgIT’s findings included 238 projects, each exceeding N5 billion, amounting to a total of N2.29 trillion, as well as an additional 984 projects valued at N1.71 trillion. The report also identified 1,119 projects—each ranging from N1 million to N1 billion—as largely politically motivated and indiscriminate.
Further insights revealed that of the inserted projects, 3,573 were allocated to federal constituencies, while 1,972 were associated with senatorial districts. The analysis also pointed out allocations for 1,477 streetlight projects, 2,122 ICT-related initiatives, and 538 borehole projects. Notably, N6.74 billion was earmarked for the “empowerment of traditional rulers.”
BudgIT expressed particular concern that 39 percent of all insertions—4,371 projects worth N1.72 trillion—were integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, inflating its capital allocation from N242.5 billion to N1.95 trillion. Other ministries, including Budget and Economic Planning and Science and Technology, similarly experienced budget increases due to these insertions.
The organization urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by reforming the budgeting process to ensure alignment with Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025).
BudgIT also called on the Attorney General of the Federation to seek a constitutional interpretation regarding the appropriation powers of the National Assembly, particularly with respect to introducing new capital projects without executive consent.
Source: DAILY POST
