Nigeria’s 2025 Budget: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Transparency and Accountability
ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concerns over the proposed 2025 Federal Budget, tagged “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.” While acknowledging the budget’s ambition in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, the organization notes that its implementation may perpetuate inequality and poverty if not done inclusively.
The organization in a press statement by Country Director ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu states “The proposed reduction in inflation is a positive step, but without addressing structural issues such as food production inefficiencies and supply chain bottlenecks, the cost of living may remain high for many Nigerians,”
The organization is worried that the allocation of ₦15.81 trillion for debt servicing may constrain investments in essential services like healthcare, education, and social safety nets. “With 33% of the budget allocated to debt servicing, funding for essential services like healthcare, education, and social safety nets for vulnerable populations remains inadequate,” the statement added.
ActionAid Nigeria also criticized the minimal investment in gender-focused initiatives, with only ₦10.39 billion (0.02% of the total ₦49.7 trillion budget) allocated to women affairs. “This raises concerns about the adequacy of resources to effectively address gender inequality and empower women across Nigeria,” the organization said.
To address these concerns, ActionAid Nigeria recommends inclusive implementation, accountability, and transparency in the budget’s execution.
“We urge the President to strengthen mechanisms to ensure allocated resources reach the local and community levels while institutionalizing gender-responsive budgeting to address the needs of women, children, and marginalized groups effectively,” the organization stated.
ActionAid Nigeria also called for sector-specific actions, debt management, and transparency in security spending. “The Ministry of Defense must ensure the defense budget is fully accounted for by creating mechanisms for civil society organizations and individuals to monitor and track its implementation,” Oluwakemi said.
Ultimately, ActionAid Nigeria emphasized the need for inclusive planning, transparent execution, and accountability to ensure that the 2025budget achieves its intended goals. “The 2025 budget presents an opportunity for Nigeria to rebuild prosperity and reduce inequality. However, this will only be achieved through inclusive planning, transparent execution, and accountability,” the organization concluded
