Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for greater transparency and accountability following the recent increase in the Budget of Restoration to ₦54 trillion.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu raised the proposed 2025 budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues generated by key government agencies. The budget adjustment was conveyed in letters to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, which were read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

Tinubu explained that the increase was driven by ₦1.4 trillion in additional revenue from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and ₦1.8 trillion generated by other government-owned agencies.

In a statement on Friday via X, Obi acknowledged that while the sources of revenue were detailed, there was no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the budget hike. He emphasised the need for Nigerians to be fully informed about how public funds are allocated and spent.

“For transparency and accountability 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 said.

He stressed that budgetary expenditures should focus on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security and poverty alleviation to create meaningful impact on citizens’ lives.

Obi also pointed out that Nigerians are still awaiting a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget, which was passed in December 2023. He urged the government to provide clarity on how those funds have been utilised.

“I call on the National Assembly to seize 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, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress,” he stated.

The ex-governor urged lawmakers and government officials to prioritise openness and accountability to safeguard public trust.

“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 added.

[TheCable]