By Nkechi Eze
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised alarm over the 2025 Federal Budget of Restoration, calling on the Federal Government to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the needs of Nigerians. CISLAC emphasized the need for a budget that truly reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people, rather than serving as a tool for corruption and mismanagement.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, warned against manipulating the budget with unnecessary additions and suspicious allocations, particularly for defunct ministries like the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Ministry of Sports. According to CISLAC, such allocations reveal a lack of proper needs assessment and a blatant disregard for accountability. CISLAC is pushing for immediate reforms to rebuild public trust.
CISLAC has strongly criticized the recurring trend of lawmakers misusing the budget process to fund constituency projects that lack transparency and accountability. “These projects often disregard public procurement regulations and fail to meet the actual needs of the citizens they’re intended to serve”.
CISLAC sheds light on a staggering ₦197.72 billion in irregular payments made across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) between 2020 and 2021, as revealed in the Auditor-General’s report. This massive financial mismanagement is a clear indication of systemic lapses in financial compliance and procurement processes.
CISLAC is urging the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly to take swift and decisive action to address the irregularities and recover the misappropriated funds, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
CISLAC is calling on the National Assembly to handle the budget process with integrity, especially given the widespread allegations of extortion and fraudulent activities in ministries and parastatals. To clear their name and regain public trust, National Assembly members must ensure the 2025 budget is transparent, credible, and free from any wrongdoing.
While criticizing parastatals that continue to receive statutory allocations without delivering tangible results. The statement said “The Auditor-General’s recommendations must guide this process. Nigerians deserve a budget that aligns with the President’s objectives, not one marred by scandals, allocations to non-existent entities, and project duplications”
The organization is advocating for enhanced legislative oversight, urging National Assembly members to take a more proactive role beyond just budget presentations. CISLAC wants lawmakers to scrutinize and address the misuse of funds by agencies that currently operate with little to no accountability.
CISLAC is urging anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to keep a close eye on the budget process. This includes investigating any suspicious activities and ensuring that all procurement laws are strictly followed.
As Nigeria prepares to implement the 2025 budget, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) is reiterating its call for a budget that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people. CISLAC is emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and responsible execution to ensure the budget brings tangible benefits to citizens.
