Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a detailed breakdown of the newly increased 2025 Budget of Restoration, which now stands at ₦54.2 trillion. Obi raised concerns over the lack of transparency in how the funds will be allocated and urged the government to provide full disclosure. 
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi acknowledged the government’s reported revenue growth but pointed out that while details of additional income sources were provided, there was no corresponding breakdown of expenditures. He emphasized that Nigerians have the right to know how public funds are being utilized.
“For transparency and accountability’s 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.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing education, healthcare, security, and poverty alleviation in budgetary decisions, ensuring that government spending directly benefits the people.
Obi also reminded Nigerians that the government has yet to provide a full report on the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope, which was passed in December 2023. He urged the National Assembly to demand and make public the details of how those funds were spent.
“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 added.
As debates over the 2025 budget continue, Obi called on lawmakers and government officials to uphold openness and accountability to maintain public trust.
“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our great nation to ensure transparency in our financial governance,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday that the 2025 budget had been revised upward from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion. He attributed the increase to improved revenue collection from government agencies:
– ₦1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
– ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service
– ₦1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies
These details were outlined in letters sent to both the Senate and House of Representatives, which were read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
With concerns over budget transparency, Obi’s demand for a clear expenditure breakdown adds to the ongoing conversation about accountability in Nigeria’s financial management. As Nigerians await further clarifications, pressure is mounting on the government to ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.
