By Barnabas Esiet.
BudgIT, a civic-tech organization, has expressed concern over the Nigerian government’s proposal to extend the implementation period for the 2023 budget by one year.
The organization argues that this move would undermine the principle of annuality of public budgets and convert Nigeria’s annual budget into a biennial one, which is not provided for by the 1999 Constitution or the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.
In a statement signed by Communications Officer, Nancy Odimegwu, BudgIT mentioned that from 2020 to date, the Federal Government has routinely extended the implementation period for the capital budgets beyond 12 calendar months—a practice that negates the principle of annuality of public budgets.
Recall that the 2023 Approved Budget of N21.83 trillion, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, was designed to run for 12 calendar months from January to December, as is the practice globally.
More worrisome is the fact that the Federal Government is currently drafting another 2024 Supplementary budget, which it intends to implement alongside the 2023 Approved Budgets, amounting to simultaneous implementation of four budgets.
Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director, also notes that the concurrent implementation of four budgets (2023 Approved Budget, 2023 Supplementary Budget, 2024 Approved Budget, and 2024 Supplementary Budget) would lead to severe budget credibility issues, negatively impacting service delivery in critical social sectors and the provision of essential public infrastructure.
The organization urges the Federal Government and the National Assembly to revert to a disciplined January to December budget calendar, prioritize projects and programs that align with Nigeria’s development goals, and reduce inequality and poverty.
Comment here