“Peter Obi Calls for Transparency After ₦54 Trillion Budget Increase”
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for greater transparency and accountability following the recent increase in the 2025 budget, which now stands at ₦54.2 trillion, up from the previously proposed ₦49.7 trillion.
President Bola Tinubu announced the adjustment on Wednesday, explaining that additional revenues generated by government agencies, including ₦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 entities, contributed to the rise in the budget. The revised budget was presented to both the Senate and the House of Representatives during Wednesday’s plenary session, read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
While Obi acknowledged that the revenue sources were clearly outlined, he pointed out that there was no corresponding breakdown of how these funds would be spent, raising concerns about the transparency of the process.
“Nigerians Deserve to Know How Their Resources Are Being Used”
In a statement shared on Friday via X, Obi stressed the importance of providing a full account of the budgetary allocations to ensure public trust and confidence. “For transparency and accountability’s sake, Nigerians need to know how the resources generated from them are being allocated,” Obi said. “This is vital to ensuring that public funds are judiciously spent on national development and the well-being of the people.”
Obi also emphasized that the funds should be used to address critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation, all of which are essential to improving the quality of life for citizens.
The Call for Full Disclosure of the Renewed Hope Budget
Obi further reminded the government that Nigerians were still awaiting a detailed report on how the funds from the 2024 Renewed Hope budget, passed in December 2023, were spent. He urged the government to clarify the execution of those funds to ensure accountability and to avoid the mistakes of the past.
“I call on the National Assembly to take 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 and for making informed decisions as we plan for the future,” Obi stated.
A Plea for Openness and Accountability in Governance
As the government prepares to move forward with the 2025 Budget of Restoration, Obi urged lawmakers and government officials to prioritize openness and accountability. He stressed that such measures were essential to safeguard public trust and build a stronger, more sustainable nation.
“As we work toward passing the Budget of Restoration for 2025, let us uphold transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. We owe it to ourselves, to future generations, and to the future of our great nation,” Obi concluded.
