Legislators Demand Accountability In 2025 Budget Process
The Nigerian Senate launched an investigation into allegations of N2 trillion in budget padding within the 2025 national budget, prompting a heated plenary session in Abuja. The probe, initiated after whistleblower reports, targets discrepancies in allocations for infrastructure and social welfare projects. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Appropriations to examine the budget documents, with a mandate to report findings within two weeks. The allegations center on inflated contracts for road construction in Lagos, Anambra, and Borno, raising concerns about transparency. Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s commitment to fiscal accountability, urging members to avoid partisan bias. The investigation includes summons for officials from the Ministry of Finance and Budget Office. The Senate also directed state assemblies to review their budget processes to prevent similar issues. The probe follows public demands for transparency, with citizens citing past budget controversies that undermined trust. The Committee on Appropriations plans to hold public hearings to gather stakeholder input, with sessions scheduled in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The Senate’s actions aim to restore confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal management, particularly as the country faces economic challenges with 22% inflation. The investigation’s outcome could impact budget implementation, with the government under pressure to deliver on infrastructure promises. The probe reflects broader concerns about governance, with implications for Nigeria’s economic stability ahead of 2027.