A heated dispute has erupted between civic tech organization BudgIT and the National Assembly (NASS) over the alleged insertion of 11,122 projects worth ₦6.93 trillion into Nigeria’s 2025 national budget.

BudgIT accused lawmakers of padding the Appropriation Bill with projects that lack alignment with Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and national priorities. In a detailed statement, the organization claimed the insertions reflect a deepening culture of political self-interest and fiscal manipulation.

BudgIT revealed that 238 projects valued above ₦5 billion each, totalling ₦2.29 trillion, were inserted without clear justification. An additional 2,103 projects worth over ₦2.3 trillion were described as indiscriminate and misaligned with strategic objectives. The group further alleged that 39% of the total insertions — amounting to ₦1.72 trillion — were forced into the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, inflating it nearly eightfold.

Specific insertions cited include:

  • 1,477 streetlight projects (₦393.29 billion)

  • 538 boreholes (₦114.53 billion)

  • 2,122 ICT projects (₦505.79 billion)

  • ₦6.74 billion for “traditional ruler empowerment”

BudgIT also raised concerns over “dumping” projects on agencies with no relevant technical capacity, such as the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, which was assigned ₦3 billion for utility vehicles and over ₦2.5 billion for rural infrastructure — well outside its mandate.

BudgIT Calls for Reform and Accountability

BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, described the situation as an "assault on fiscal responsibility," calling for immediate reforms to restore integrity to the budget process. He urged:

  • Executive action from President Tinubu

  • Constitutional clarity from the Supreme Court

  • Investigations by EFCC and ICPC

  • Citizen advocacy for transparency and justice

Okeowo stressed:

“We cannot afford a government of projects without purpose. This is about equity and the future of accountable governance.”

NASS Reacts: Allegations Are False and Misguided

In swift rebuttal, lawmakers dismissed BudgIT’s claims.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that the 2025 budget was passed strictly based on the estimates presented by the executive. He dismissed the allegations as "spurious" and fueled by “irreverent propaganda.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Clement Jimbo, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning, reiterated that the National Assembly has constitutional powers to amend, subtract, or add to budget estimates. He called the padding allegations baseless and misleading, emphasizing that no single lawmaker can arbitrarily channel funds for personal gain.

Jimbo added:

“The budget becomes law only after we pass it. What the executive sends is a proposal. We have the legal authority to review and modify it.”

He described BudgIT’s conclusions as “false to the point of irresponsibility,” calling for a more informed understanding of legislative processes.