BudgIT Slams Finance Ministry Over Withheld Budget Reports, Warns of Transparency Breakdown

BudgIT, a leading civic-tech organization advocating for fiscal transparency in Nigeria, has raised alarm over the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation’s failure to release mandatory budget implementation reports. The group says this omission violates the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 and undermines public trust in government spending.

In a statement issued by Nancy Odimegwu, BudgIT’s Group Senior Communications Associate, the organization accused the ministry of neglecting its legal obligation to publish Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIRs). These reports are meant to detail how federal funds are allocated and spent, and must be made public within 30 days of each quarter’s end through newspapers, electronic media, and the ministry’s website.

BudgIT revealed that no BIRs have been released since the second quarter of 2024, meaning nearly four quarters of financial data are overdue. This marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which consistently published at least three reports annually.

“These reports are not just legal formalities,” BudgIT stated. “They reflect a government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Without them, citizens and stakeholders are left in the dark about how public resources are being managed.”

The group also criticized the abandonment of the OpenTreasury.gov platform, which previously offered daily, weekly, and monthly updates on federal expenditures. The site has not been updated since January 2025, further limiting access to critical financial data.

BudgIT warned that the lack of transparency affects more than civil society—it disrupts private sector planning, academic research, and public oversight. The organization called the situation a setback for democratic accountability and fiscal governance.

In its appeal, BudgIT urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant agencies to take immediate action by releasing the overdue budget reports and publishing the Federal Cash Plan Disbursement Schedule, as required under Section 26 of the FRA. The group emphasized that restoring transparency is essential to rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s financial management systems.

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, BudgIT insists that openness in budget execution is not optional—it’s a cornerstone of responsible governance.