ABUJA – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over the increase in Nigeria’s Budget of Restoration to ₦54 trillion, questioning the lack of a corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the rise.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi acknowledged that the revenue sources for the budget were detailed but emphasized the need for transparency in how these funds will be allocated. He stressed that Nigerians have the right to know how government-generated resources are being spent to ensure they contribute to national development and the well-being of citizens.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor urged that budgetary allocations be channeled toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation. He also reminded the government that Nigerians are still awaiting a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget, which was passed in December 2023.
Obi called on the National Assembly to obtain and make public the full details of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope, arguing that transparency in fiscal matters is essential for accountability, assessing past budgets, and making informed policy decisions.
“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 concluded.
His remarks have reignited discussions on budget transparency and government accountability, with many Nigerians calling for a more detailed breakdown of expenditures to ensure the prudent management of public funds.
