BudgIT, a non-governmental organization focused on budget transparency, has raised significant concerns about the 2025 proposed budget submitted by the federal government to the National Assembly.
The budget, available on the Budget Office website, notably omits funding for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and lacks detailed breakdowns for key agencies, including the National Judicial Council (N341.63 billion) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) (N940.5 billion).
Moreover, the proposed budget excluded the financial plans of over 60 government-owned enterprises (GOEs) such as the Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Adding to the controversy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement of an opulent retirement package for military generals has come under scrutiny.
The package included bulletproof SUVs, fully paid foreign medical treatments, $20,000 estacode for medical trips, and payments for domestic help.
This contrasted with his earlier commitments to reduce government spending and improve welfare for lower-ranking personnel who face greater combat risks without adequate retirement benefits.
BudgIT called on the National Assembly, consisting of 360 House Representatives and 109 Senators, to prioritize the national interest in the budget review process.
They urged lawmakers to ensure the final budget supports economic growth, reduces poverty, and addresses inequality, especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians.
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