Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Bill is under the microscope, and BudgIT’s observations highlight significant governance and transparency concerns that directly impact the well-being of everyday Nigerians.
Development Diaries reports that, according to BudgIT, the 2025 Appropriation Bill, or budget, submitted to the National Assembly for review omitted the breakdown of some ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), commissions, and councils, such as the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) 341.63 billion and Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) 940.5 billion.
Development Diaries reports that the 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly lacked detailed breakdowns for several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as commissions and councils.
Notable omissions included the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) ₦341.63 billion and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) ₦940.5 billion allocations.
Further investigation revealed that the proposed budget conspicuously excluded the allocations for over 60 government-owned entities (GOEs), including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
With over N2.49 trillion reportedly allocated under opaque personnel cost categories for regional development commissions, it becomes difficult to determine how effectively these funds will be used to address pressing socio-economic challenges such as job creation, poverty alleviation, and equitable service delivery.
Without clear accountability measures, Nigerians are left questioning whether public funds are being optimally channeled to meet their developmental needs.
Equally concerning is the exclusion of detailed allocations for key agencies like the NJC and TETFund, whose roles are critical in fostering justice and improving tertiary educational outcomes.
Transparency in these budgetary allocations is essential to prevent the mismanagement of public funds and ensure that investments in education and judiciary reform serve the larger populace.
Failure to disclose these details diminishes trust in government processes and deprives citizens of the opportunity to hold their leaders accountable.
The absence of budgetary provisions for crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, further illustrates a misalignment between governmental priorities and public interest.
Neglecting such capital-intensive initiatives would stifle economic development. Moreover, redirecting funds for political or non-productive expenditures compromises essential projects that could significantly boost local economies and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Furthermore, the government’s apparent contradictions between its fiscal policies and its stated commitment to cost reduction, as evidenced by the generous retirement packages for military generals, raise concerns about equity and fairness.
These provisions, if left unchecked, widen the socio-economic gap between top officials and lower-ranking personnel who continue to endure harsh working conditions without adequate support.
Such policies erode morale and public trust, creating a perception of government insensitivity to the plight of ordinary citizens.
Development Diaries joins BudgIT in calling on the National Assembly to act decisively to rectify these irregularities, ensure that the budget is scrutinised, revised where necessary, and made transparent to foster inclusivity, accountability, and equitable resource distribution.
We also call on citizens to hold their representatives accountable for aligning fiscal decisions with the nation’s developmental goals.
