Atiku Alleges N210bn Budget Duplication, Accuses Tinubu of Fiscal Recklessness

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has leveled serious accusations against President Bola Tinubu's administration, alleging gross fiscal recklessness due to over 210 billion naira in duplicated allocations within the 2026 Federal Budget.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar asserted that these reported budget irregularities, combined with Nigeria's persistently poor performance on global prosperity indicators, point to a fundamental failure of leadership rather than a lack of national resources. He contends that the alleged duplication undermines the credibility of the government's economic reforms, which have imposed significant hardships on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax increases.

"For more than three years, Nigerians have been subjected to relentless hardship," Abubakar stated. "They were told that the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, higher taxes, and rising tariffs were bitter pills that would eventually restore economic stability. Yet today, the same government cannot explain how more than N210 billion found its way into duplicated and overlapping budget provisions."

“

For more than three years, Nigerians have been subjected to relentless hardship. They were told that the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, higher taxes, and rising tariffs were bitter pills that would eventually restore economic stability. Yet today, the same government cannot explain how more than N210 billion found its way into duplicated and overlapping budget provisions.

Abubakar emphasized that any government demanding sacrifices from its citizens must first demonstrate fiscal discipline. He argued that the reported duplications and questionable budget insertions violate the core principles of transparency and accountability. The former vice president further alleged that these revelations are part of a recurring pattern of dubious budget practices, including allocations for projects outside official mandates and controversial insertions worth billions of naira, suggesting a systemic breakdown in budget discipline.

He linked this alleged mismanagement to the country's worsening economic conditions, noting that many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising living costs, unemployment, business closures, and insecurity, despite government claims of economic reform successes. "Families are skipping meals. Parents are struggling to pay school fees. Small businesses are shutting their doors. Manufacturers continue to battle soaring production costs. Young graduates cannot find jobs. Farmers are trapped between," the statement concluded, highlighting the severe impact on citizens.

“

Families are skipping meals. Parents are struggling to pay school fees. Small businesses are shutting their doors. Manufacturers continue to battle soaring production costs. Young graduates cannot find jobs. Farmers are trapped between