Nigeria's budgeting system needs urgent reform to drive development

Nigeria's budgeting system is under intense scrutiny for its persistent failure to foster national development and improve public services. A significant issue is the chronic non-release or delayed release of approved funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), leaving many projects unfunded and hindering government operations.

The nation is reportedly grappling with the simultaneous implementation of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets. This abnormal situation breeds confusion, causes significant delays in project execution, and severely weakens public confidence in the government's planning capabilities. It also complicates efforts to accurately assess performance, monitor expenditures, and hold public officials accountable for project implementation.

Numerous projects included in various MDAs' budgets remain unexecuted due to funding constraints. This leads to unfinished roads, neglected schools and hospitals, and prolonged delays in critical infrastructure development. When funds appropriated by the National Assembly are not released or are released late, development grinds to a halt, and citizens suffer the consequences through inadequate service delivery and a declining standard of living.

Compounding these issues are recurring allegations of budget padding and the inclusion of questionable projects within the national budget. Each year brings controversies over provisions allegedly smuggled into appropriation bills without proper scrutiny. Such practices erode the credibility of the budgeting process and fuel public distrust in government institutions. Furthermore, many budget items appear to be mere illusions, with some agencies allocated funds for projects unrelated to their core mandates, resulting in wasted resources and a diversion from essential responsibilities. A more realistic and focused budget, free from politically motivated expenditures, is urgently needed to improve implementation and channel resources toward projects with measurable impact.