A prominent civic-tech organization, BudgIT, has expressed significant concerns over the Federal Government’s 2025 Budget, citing its formulation as legally questionable and lacking adequate disclosure.
The organization specifically highlighted the budget’s non-compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007.
According to BudgIT, the budget’s total spending exceeds the legal limit of N51.95 trillion, based on the Budget Office’s GDP projection of N338 trillion.
The current appropriation of N54.9 trillion surpasses this limit by over N3 trillion, raising concerns about fiscal discipline and legal compliance.
BudgIT also criticized the government’s refusal to publish a detailed revenue breakdown for the 2025 fiscal year.
The organization noted that while references have been made to certain revenue sources, no comprehensive data has been released to allow for independent scrutiny.
BudgIT’s Group Head of Research and Policy Advisory, Vahyala Kwaga, emphasized that transparency is a constitutional and moral obligation of the government.
He stressed that citizens have the right to know how public funds are sourced and allocated, and the government has the duty to provide such information.
The organization warned that the current trend signals a regression from the standards of fiscal transparency and accountability that Nigeria has worked to establish.
BudgIT called on the Presidency to uphold the principles of transparency, due process, and legal compliance in the management of public funds.
The organization also urged citizens, civil society organizations, and the international community to demand the immediate publication of the full revenue framework underpinning the Federal Government’s 2025 Budget.
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