Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticised the increase in the 2025 budget, stating that there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify it.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu raised the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues from key government agencies as the reason for the increase.
The revised figures were conveyed in separate letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Reacting in a statement on his X page on Friday, the former Anambra State governor noted that Nigerians are still awaiting a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget, passed in December 2023.
READ ALSO: Tinubu increases 2025 budget to N54.2trn
He emphasised that citizens must be informed to ensure the funds have been properly utilized for the country’s development and the well-being of its people.
“Yesterday, I read about the increase in the Budget of Restoration to ₦54 trillion due to increased revenue. While the sources of this revenue were detailed, there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase.
“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”, he added.
The 63-year-old stated that such expenditures should be allocated to critical areas of development, including education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation.
READ ALSO: Tinubu presents N49.7trn 2025 budget to NASS
He urged the National Assembly to obtain and disclose the full details of the 2024 Renewed Hope budget.
Obi stressed that transparency in this matter is essential for ensuring accountability, learning from past budgets, and making informed decisions for the nation’s progress.
“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.”
