President Bola Tinubu is set to present Nigeria’s 2026 budget to the National Assembly, but a civic organization, BudgIT, has raised concerns over the lack of accountability for the previous year’s budget. The 2026 budget, valued at N54.4 trillion, is expected to be presented on Friday, despite the absence of a public report on the implementation of the 2025 budget.

According to BudgIT, the government has not made public the 2025 budget implementation report, which is essential for assessing the performance of the previous year’s budget. The organization expressed its concerns on social media, stating that the lack of accountability and transparency is a significant issue. “There is still no budget implementation report for 2025. The 2026 budget is almost here, yet we don’t know how the 2025 budget performed? No report. No accountability,” BudgIT wrote.

In February 2025, President Tinubu signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget into law. However, the lack of a public report on its implementation has raised questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The presentation of the 2026 budget without a clear understanding of the previous year’s budget performance has sparked concerns among civic organizations and stakeholders.

The absence of a budget implementation report for 2025 makes it challenging to evaluate the government’s fiscal management and decision-making processes. It also undermines the ability of citizens and stakeholders to hold the government accountable for its spending and policy decisions. As the government prepares to present the 2026 budget, it is essential to prioritize transparency and accountability to ensure that public resources are managed effectively and efficiently.

The presentation of the 2026 budget is a critical step in the country’s fiscal planning process. However, it is equally important to ensure that the government is transparent and accountable in its budgeting and spending. By providing a clear and detailed report on the implementation of the 2025 budget, the government can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, and provide a solid foundation for the 2026 budget.