A civic-tech organisation advocating for transparency and accountability in Nigeria, BudgIT, has highlighted several critical omissions and irregularities in the proposed 2025 Federal Government budget.

In a statement released on Thursday, signed by Communications Associate Nancy Odimegwu, the organisation pointed out the absence of budget breakdowns for key agencies such as the National Judicial Council and TETFUND.

Additionally, BudgIT noted that the budgets for a number of government-owned enterprises, including the Nigeria Ports Authority and the Nigerian Customs Service, were missing from the proposed budget.

The organisation also raised concerns over the allocation of N2.49tn to regional development commissions under personnel costs, arguing that this approach obscures the true nature of their operational expenses and undermines transparency and accountability.

One of the more concerning omissions highlighted was the exclusion of funding for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, a major infrastructure project.

BudgIT warned that if funding for this project is eventually allocated, it could result in the reallocation of resources from other essential projects, potentially affecting the credibility of the budget.

“Also, we have observed that the 2025 proposed budget breakdown submitted to the National Assembly for review and approval and published on the Budget Office website omits the breakdown of some MDAs, commissions, and councils, such as the National Judicial Council (N341.63bn), and TETFUND (N940.5bn),” it said.

The organisation also expressed concern over recent remarks by President Bola Tinubu regarding military welfare packages, including provisions for bulletproof SUVs and paid foreign medical treatment for military generals.

BudgIT argued that these provisions contradicted the president’s previous pledge to reduce the cost of governance and could further strain the federal budget.

“While the Constitution grants the National Assembly the authority to appropriate funds, it often modifies the Executive’s proposed budget to distort its original intent and disconnect it from the nation’s long-term development agenda.

“Many inserted projects usually lack proper conceptualisation, design, and cost estimation, undermining their effectiveness and feasibility. We believe that the legislature must exercise this power with the utmost responsibility.

“This responsibility, which cannot be overstated, entails ensuring resource efficiency, eliminating waste, and aligning budgetary decisions with the nation’s long-term economic development goals,” the organisation stated.

BudgIT urged the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive and responsible review.

The organisation stressed the importance of public participation to ensure the final budget reflects the priorities of Nigerians, particularly in areas such as job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

In analysing recent budget performance, BudgIT pointed out that the government has repeatedly struggled with inaccurate macroeconomic assumptions, which have led to fiscal risks, budget financing challenges, and growing public debt.

The organisation said in 2024 alone, over 7,400 capital projects totalling N2.24tn were inserted into the budget, raising further concerns about resource efficiency and alignment with Nigeria’s long-term development objectives.

BudgIT called on the National Assembly to exercise its budgetary powers responsibly, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and in line with national priorities.

“The organisation has observed certain legacy issues with the 2025 Federal Government Proposed Budget and calls on the National Assembly to proactively address the irregularities, exercise its “Powers of the Purse” responsibly, allow robust public participation in the budget review process, and ensure that the approved budget reflects the needs and preferences of Nigerians through job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive broad-based economic growth,” it advised.