North East Stakeholders Demand Clarity on Nigeria’s 2025 Budget Increase

The North East Cooperative Stakeholders Forum has expressed concerns over the sharp rise in Nigeria’s 2025 federal budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, calling for greater transparency in loans and allocations.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, the forum’s chairman, Jalo Abdullahi, questioned why the executive and legislative branches have not provided a detailed explanation for the budget increase.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu initially presented a ₦47.9 trillion ($36.4 billion) budget to the National Assembly on January 24, 2025, marking a significant rise from the ₦27.5 trillion budget of 2024. However, the sudden increase to ₦54.2 trillion has raised public scrutiny.

Jalo emphasized the importance of clear sectoral allocations, urging Nigerians to demand transparency regarding how funds will be used.

“Many allocations from the 2024 budget were not fully implemented due to foreign reserve constraints. If we’re increasing spending in 2025, the government must assure citizens that the funds will be properly utilized,” he stated.

The forum clarified that it is not opposing the budget increase but is seeking assurances that the financial adjustments will genuinely benefit Nigerians.

The significant budget adjustment has drawn mixed reactions, with economists and civil groups urging the government to disclose borrowing details and ensure effective spending.

As discussions continue in the National Assembly, stakeholders await further clarifications on the fiscal strategy behind the increased spending.