Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the federal government to ensure greater transparency and accountability following the recent upward revision of the 2025 Budget of Restoration to ₦54 trillion.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi acknowledged the detailed revenue sources but criticized the lack of a corresponding breakdown of expenditures. He stressed that Nigerians deserve to know how public funds are allocated and spent.
“For transparency and accountability’s sake, Nigerians need to know how the resources generated from them are being allocated to ensure that they are judiciously spent on the country’s development and the well-being of the people,” Obi stated.
He emphasized that budgetary allocations should focus on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation to make a tangible impact on citizens’ lives.
Obi also noted that the public is still awaiting a comprehensive report on the implementation of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope, which was passed in December 2023.
He urged the government to provide clarity on how the funds from that budget have been utilized.
“I call on the National Assembly to seize this opportunity to obtain and make public the full details of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope. Transparency in this regard is crucial for ensuring accountability, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress,” he added.
The former governor of Anambra State further called on lawmakers and government officials to prioritize openness and accountability as preparations for the 2025 budget continue.
“As we work towards passing the Budget of Restoration for 2025, let us uphold openness, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation,” he said.
The budget increase was announced on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu, who raised the proposed 2025 budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues generated by key government agencies.
In separate letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives, Tinubu explained that the adjustment was based on an additional ₦1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and ₦1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies.
