The Democratic and Leadership Alliance (DLA) has expressed concern over the National Assembly's decision to extend the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 budget to December 31, 2026. This move marks the fourth extension of the budget's capital implementation period. The Senate and House of Representatives approved the extension, giving Ministries, Departments, and Agencies additional time to execute capital projects captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
The DLA's Head of Media and Publicity, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, reacted to the development, stating that the repeated extensions reflect a worsening fiscal and economic situation in Nigeria. Odeyemi expressed concern that the 2024 budget had yet to be fully funded, while implementation of the 2026 budget was also facing challenges. He criticized the Bola Tinubu-led administration for failing to manage public funds effectively.
According to Odeyemi, the latest extension could further complicate budget implementation and lead to the rollover of outstanding capital expenditure. He alleged that over N35 trillion, which is the capital component of the 2026 budget, would be moved to 2027, continuing the practice of running multiple budgets simultaneously. The DLA spokesman called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from the Federal Government over its management of public funds.
Odeyemi also criticized President Bola Tinubu for repeatedly calling on Nigerians to hold state governors accountable for increased allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy. He argued that the President had not provided transparency on how his administration managed public funds, particularly with regards to the large percentage of the nation's resources and debilitating loans taken to warrant budget implementations suffering unprecedented extensions.
The DLA spokesman questioned the administration's capacity to govern the country, alleging that it lacked adequate understanding of fiscal management. He urged Nigerians to vote against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stating that his continued stay in office would push the country closer to ruin. Odeyemi presented an alternative program to Nigerians, claiming that only the DLA could restore the country's dignity and revive its ailing economic and fiscal processes.
The National Assembly's decision to extend the budget implementation period followed concerns over delays in implementing capital projects under the 2025 budget. The extension moves the deadline from September 30 to December 31, 2026. This development has sparked concerns about the country's fiscal management and the government's ability to execute its budget effectively.
The DLA's criticism of the government's budget management comes as Nigerians face economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment. The party's call for greater accountability and transparency in public fund management reflects growing concerns about corruption and mismanagement of public resources in Nigeria. The government's response to these concerns remains to be seen.
Key points
- The National Assembly has extended the implementation of the 2025 budget's capital component to December 31, 2026, marking the fourth extension of the budget's capital implementation period.
- The DLA has criticized the government's budget management, alleging a lack of transparency and accountability in public fund management.
- The party has called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from the Federal Government and to vote against President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
