ABUJA: The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, has openly challenged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration over what he described as the poor implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act, warning that failure to execute an approved national budget is a breach of the law and could amount to an impeachable offence.
Speaking during an engagement with Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, the Borno North senator questioned why billions of naira in government revenue had been generated while approved projects and programmes remained largely unimplemented, saying the delays were denying Nigerians the dividends of democracy.
Monguno lamented that the National Assembly had to extend the lifespan of the 2025 budget until September after the Federal Government failed to implement a substantial portion of the spending plan.
According to him, lawmakers had earlier agreed that at least 30 per cent of the budget should have been implemented before March, but that target was not achieved.
If the 2025 budget has not been implemented and we have to roll over 70 per cent of it into 2026, despite our agreement that 30 per cent would be implemented before March, then where are these revenues going? he asked.
The senator argued that the primary responsibility of any government is to improve the lives of citizens through effective budget implementation.
It is through the implementation of the budget that the dividends of democracy are brought to the doorsteps of the people. If the budget is not being implemented, what is the function of government? Monguno queried.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the state of national security, alleging that security agencies informed lawmakers they had received no capital allocation for critical operations.
According to him, protecting lives and property remains the most fundamental responsibility of government, warning that inadequate funding could undermine the country’s security architecture.
Monguno further questioned the Federal Government’s handling of Federation Account revenue, claiming that although about ₦3.7 trillion was received last month, only ₦2 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government.
He demanded explanations for the remaining ₦1.7 trillion. Why was ₦1.7 trillion retained? Why was the entire ₦3.7 trillion not disbursed to the three tiers of government?” he asked.
The senator insisted that withholding funds while delaying budget implementation raises serious concerns about fiscal transparency and accountability.
Responding to the concerns, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said many Nigerians misunderstand how government borrowing works.
He explained that approval by the National Assembly for external loans should not be interpreted as money already borrowed.
According to him, the Ministry of Finance is preparing a comprehensive breakdown showing:
- Loans approved by the National Assembly;
- Actual amounts borrowed;
- How the borrowed funds have been utilised.
Oyedele said the report would soon be released to improve transparency and provide the public with a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s debt profile.
The exchange reflects growing scrutiny of the Federal Government’s fiscal management as lawmakers seek greater accountability over public finances.
With critical infrastructure projects, security operations and social programmes depending largely on budget implementation, analysts say continued delays could affect economic growth, service delivery and public confidence in government.
