The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s rising national budgets and the lack of commensurate impact on citizens’ welfare and national development.
Speaking during an interview with ADC Media Network 2.0, Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, National Vice Chairman, South West zone, highlighted troubling trends in fiscal management across successive administrations.
According to him, Nigeria’s annual budget under Goodluck Jonathan averaged about ₦5 trillion, during which key subsidies in petroleum, education, and electricity were sustained, alongside investments such as the establishment of new federal universities.
He noted that under Muhammadu Buhari, the budget rose significantly to over ₦20 trillion, accompanied by increased borrowing to support government expenditure.
Hon. Owokoniran expressed concern that under the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the proposed national budget has exceeded ₦50 trillion, despite the removal of major subsidies.
He questioned the visible impact of such increased spending on the living conditions of Nigerians.
“With higher revenues, subsidy removal, and unprecedented borrowing, Nigerians deserve to see clear, measurable improvements in infrastructure, economic stability, education and quality of life,” he stated.
He further raised concerns about Nigeria’s growing debt profile and the sustainability of continued borrowing without corresponding economic gains.
The ADC chieftain emphasized that governance must be driven by transparency, efficiency, and accountability, noting that increased public spending must translate into tangible outcomes that directly benefit citizens.
He called on the Federal Government to provide clear explanations on how public funds are being utilized and to demonstrate concrete results that justify the scale of current expenditures.
The African Democratic Congress reaffirmed its commitment to responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and people-centered policies that prioritize national development and improve the welfare of all Nigerians.
