Nigerian Senators have raised alarm over what they call financial recklessness by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following the failure to implement the 2024 national budget as agreed.
During a heated debate on the Senate floor during a Wednesday plenary, the lawmakers expressed deep frustration that despite extending the budget deadline from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025, most government projects remain abandoned, while contractors who completed their jobs are yet to be paid.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, said the situation is dangerous and reflects a total breakdown in governance.
“Contractors who have completed government projects are yet to be paid. Ministries have not received capital allocations. This is not just delay—it’s a dangerous trend. The credibility of this government is dropping fast,” he warned.
Senator Ningi said the centralization of payments through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has completely failed, and ministries can no longer function as they should under the budget law. He noted that despite promises of ₦35,000 wage increases and a ₦70,000 new minimum wage, many workers have not received any change in their pay.
“We are being taken for a ride,” he declared. “This kind of financial mismanagement is bleeding the country.”
Another senator revealed that over 80% of constituency projects were completed six months ago, yet payment is still being withheld. He accused the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s office of “picking and choosing” which projects to pay for and that, according to him, is unjust and illegal.
Lawmakers are now demanding a high-level intervention. They want the leadership of the National Assembly to meet directly with President Tinubu and explain the seriousness of the situation. They are also calling on the Appropriation Committee to investigate and report back to the chamber within two weeks.
“This is a complete failure of the system. The 2025 budget hasn’t even started. This House must act now,” one senator said.
The Senators agreed that Nigeria cannot continue to extend budgets without results, as it puts the entire economy at risk and weakens public trust in the government.
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