Atiku, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that this enormous figure pertains primarily to ten ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which collectively account for 84 percent of the total budget. His spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, conveyed Atiku's concerns in a statement issued on Monday.
Particularly alarming for Atiku is the N2.19 trillion allocated for personnel costs within the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. He highlighted this amount as disproportionately high compared to the N54.8 billion designated for salaries at the Federal Ministry of Finance. “Who are the workers earning ₦2.19 trillion? Where are they stationed? Which agencies do they work for?” he questioned, calling for transparency in the budgetary process.
The former Vice President also pointed out that these allocations concealed under the SWV surpass the combined budgets for critical sectors such as education, defense, and agriculture. He suggested that this lack of clarity might be politically motivated, implying that the funds could be used to finance the ruling party’s electoral campaign and Tinubu’s re-election efforts in 2027.
Atiku criticized the current administration for failing to maintain public trust while asking citizens to endure economic hardships. He urged the National Assembly to conduct a detailed investigation into the SWV, particularly scrutinizing the N2.19 trillion personnel allocation. He called for accountability regarding the beneficiaries of these funds and the legal framework supporting such allocations.
“It is imperative to open the books, unveil the truth, and restore integrity to Nigeria’s budgeting process,” Atiku asserted. His comments reflect broader concerns about governance and fiscal management in Nigeria, as citizens demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.
The call for investigation comes amid ongoing debates about budgetary allocations and the impact of economic policies on the Nigerian populace. As the political landscape evolves, the scrutiny of fiscal matters is expected to intensify, with demands for clearer explanations becoming increasingly urgent.
In related news, Atiku has previously requested the National Assembly to probe what he termed duplicative allocations amounting to ₦210 billion in the 2026 budget. His ongoing critiques underscore a growing tension between opposition parties and the current administration regarding fiscal responsibility and governance.
As discussions surrounding the budget continue, stakeholders across various sectors are keenly observing how the government will respond to these allegations and whether any reforms will be initiated to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s budgeting process.
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