Obi Demands Transparency As Tinubu Raises 2025 Budget To ₦54 Trillion

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for greater transparency and accountability following the increase of Nigeria’s 2025 Budget of Restoration to ₦54.2 trillion, questioning the lack of a corresponding breakdown of expenditures.

In a statement on Friday via X, Obi acknowledged the detailed disclosure of revenue sources but criticized the absence of clarity on how the additional funds would be allocated.

He stressed the importance of public accountability, urging the government to ensure that every naira serves the development of the country and the welfare of its citizens.

“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 stated.

The Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer emphasized that increased budgetary spending should prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation to create tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

He also pointed out that Nigerians are still awaiting a detailed account of the Renewed Hope budget passed in December 2023, calling on the government to provide clarity on how those funds have been spent.

Obi urged the National Assembly to seize the opportunity to demand and disclose the full details of the budget implementation, stressing that transparency in this regard is crucial for learning from past allocations and making informed financial decisions.

“I call on the National Assembly to obtain and make public the full details of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope. Transparency is crucial for ensuring accountability, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress,” he added.

His remarks come after President Bola Tinubu increased the 2025 budget proposal from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues generated by key government agencies.

According to letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the president attributed the budget increase to ₦1.4 trillion in extra revenue from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and ₦1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies.

As discussions on the budget progress, Obi urged lawmakers and government officials to prioritize 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 stated.