Peter Obi Questions Tinubu Government on Transparency in ₦54.2 Trillion Budget

Peter Obi has raised concerns over the transparency and accountability of the Tinubu administration’s ₦54.2 trillion budget, calling for clearer financial management.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated that there is no detailed breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase in the 2025 national budget.

The statement follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Thursday that the appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year has been raised from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.

reported that Tinubu announced the increase in separate letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In response to the development, Obi emphasized that it is crucial for Nigerians to understand how generated resources are being distributed in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

He explained that this was to guarantee the funds were wisely invested in the country’s development and its people’s well-being.

In a statement released on Friday through his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor mentioned that Nigerians were still anticipating a comprehensive report on the implementation and spending of the Renewed Hope budget approved in December 2023.

Obi also urged the National Assembly to take this opportunity to acquire and publicly disclose the complete details of the 2024 budget.

He mentioned that he read yesterday about the Budget of Restoration increasing to N54 trillion because of higher revenue.

Although the revenue sources were thoroughly outlined, there is no accompanying breakdown of expenditures to explain the increase. For transparency and accountability, it is essential for Nigerians to understand how these resources are being allocated in order to ensure they are wisely spent on national development and citizens’ well-being.

Funds should be allocated to crucial areas of development such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation.

Moreover, Nigerians are still awaiting a comprehensive report on how the Renewed Hope budget, approved in December 2023, has been implemented and its funds spent to ensure it is effectively contributing to national development and citizen welfare.

I urge the National Assembly to take this opportunity to acquire and publicly disclose all details of the Renewed Hope budget for 2024.

Being transparent in this matter is essential for ensuring accountability, learning from previous budgets, and making well-informed decisions to advance the nation.

As we strive to pass the 2025 Budget of Restoration, let us commit to transparency, responsibility, and prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians. It’s a duty we owe ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation. -PO