The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised serious concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to increase the 2025 budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, describing it as potentially unconstitutional and a breach of legislative procedures.
In a statement released by CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) on Thursday, the organization referenced Section 81(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires that any additional spending beyond the approved budget must be presented as a supplementary appropriation bill.
CISLAC criticized the government for merely notifying lawmakers through a letter rather than following due legislative process. “The cited additional revenues were not sudden; failing to account for them in the initial budget highlights poor fiscal foresight,” the statement noted.
CISLAC also warned that this unilateral move weakens the constitutional principle of checks and balances, pointing to a pattern of executive overreach, including delays in ministerial nominations and other procedural lapses. Additionally, the group highlighted the rising national debt burden, noting that debt servicing for 2025 stands at ₦16.32 trillion, a significant jump from ₦712 billion in 2014, while several debt-financed projects remain incomplete or abandoned.
The organization further flagged concerns over allocations to non-existent or defunct agencies, calling for strict scrutiny of budgetary provisions to prevent wastage and ensure resources are allocated efficiently.”The National Assembly holds a constitutional mandate to oversee and approve federal expenditures. CISLAC urges lawmakers to exercise their authority rigorously in this matter,” the statement emphasized.
While reiterating its support for economic growth and national development, CISLAC insists that fiscal policies must align with constitutional legality, transparency, and participatory governance.
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