• 20 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

BudgIT Uncovers N6.93 Trillion in Project Insertions by National Assembly in 2025 Budget.

   Civic tech group raises alarm over unchecked insertions, calling for reform and accountability in Nigeria’s budgeting process.

BudgIT, a civic technology organization promoting public finance transparency, has revealed that the National Assembly inserted 11,122 projects worth N6.93 trillion into the 2025 federal budget, sparking concern over possible fiscal misconduct and political influence.

This revelation follows the signing of the N54.99 trillion budget into law by President Bola Tinubu in February 2025.

In its latest analysis, BudgIT described the insertions as largely unjustified and warned that they undermine national planning while redirecting resources away from critical development needs.

Of particular note are 238 projects valued at over N5 billion each, totaling N2.29 trillion, along with 984 projects worth N1.71 trillion. The organization also flagged 1,119 projects ranging between N500 million and N1 billion—collectively exceeding N641 billion—as examples of indiscriminate spending.

   The insertion of over 11,000 projects worth N6.93 trillion into the 2025 budget by the National Assembly is not just alarming, it is an assault on fiscal responsibility,” said Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s country director.

BudgIT’s findings show that 3,573 of the projects, worth N653.19 billion, are tied to federal constituencies, while 1,972 projects worth N444.04 billion are linked to senatorial districts.

The report also highlighted:

* 1,477 streetlight projects costing N393.29 billion
* 538 borehole projects worth N114.53 billion
* 2,122 ICT-related projects totaling N505.79 billion
* N6.74 billion allocated for traditional ruler empowerment initiatives

One of the most troubling findings is that 39% of all insertions—valued at N1.72 trillion—were funneled into the Ministry of Agriculture, inflating its capital budget from N242.5 billion to N1.95 trillion. Ministries such as Science and Technology, and Budget and Economic Planning, also saw dramatic increases through similar insertions.

BudgIT also identified irregular allocations to smaller federal agencies not traditionally involved in large-scale infrastructure, such as:

  The Federal Cooperative College in Oji River being assigned N3 billion for utility vehicles, N1.5 billion for rural electrification in Rivers State, and N1 billion for solar streetlights in Enugu
* The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute managing unrelated capital projects

   These agencies are being used for off-mandate projects that offer no real developmental value,” BudgIT stated.

Despite submitting official communications to the Presidency, the Budget Office, and the National Assembly, BudgIT said it has received no feedback or acknowledgment—an inaction it interprets as tacit approval.

The organization is now urging President Tinubu to reform the national budgeting process and ensure that allocations align with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025).

Additionally, BudgIT is calling on the Attorney General of the Federation to seek constitutional clarification on the extent of the National Assembly’s authority in adding new capital projects. It also wants anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate these project insertions and ensure proper use of public funds.

   Nigeria cannot afford a budgeting system driven by politics rather than purpose. Transparency, constitutional clarity, and citizen-centered planning are critical,” Okeowo concluded.

BudgIT also called on civil society, the media, international partners, and the public to push for urgent reforms, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond finance—it’s about fairness, accountability, and effective governance.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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