The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses profound concern over the Federal Government’s continued failure to implement the capital components of the national budget, despite repeated assurances of reform and improved fiscal performance.
A review of official budget implementation reports published by the Budget Office of the Federation shows a troubling pattern of chronic underperformance. For the 2024 fiscal year, out of a capital budget of ₦9.9 trillion, only ₦5.81 trillion was released, with ₦3.27 trillion utilized. While this represents 81.91% utilization of released funds, it reflects a far lower performance when measured against the total capital allocation—leaving critical development commitments unmet.
The situation worsened in 2025. As of today, the Budget Office has failed to publish the third and fourth quarter implementation reports, in violation of statutory timelines. Available data indicates that out of a projected ₦23.44 trillion in capital expenditure, only ₦34.32 billion was released in the first quarter and ₦393.86 billion in the second quarter—less than one percent of the total capital budget. This confirms that both the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets remain largely unimplemented.
CHRICED is alarmed that while citizens are urged to endure economic hardship in anticipation of promised reforms, there is little evidence of corresponding government action in the execution of capital projects. Instead, budget obligations appear to be routinely rolled over into subsequent fiscal years, even as the 2026 budget remains unsigned at the end of the first quarter.
This persistent failure points to serious governance lapses. It is particularly paradoxical that an administration claiming to exceed revenue targets consistently fails to release funds for capital development. Meanwhile, recurrent expenditures—primarily sustaining the cost of governance—continue to receive full and timely funding. This imbalance deprives Nigerians of essential infrastructure, undermines economic growth, and erodes public trust.
At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with the consequences of fuel subsidy removal, rising petrol prices, and escalating living costs, the neglect of capital investments has deepened poverty and left critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and power generation in a state of near collapse. With over 70 percent of Nigerians affected by poverty and unemployment rising, the failure to prioritize capital development is both irresponsible and unacceptable.
CHRICED is further concerned that as the 2027 general elections draw closer, political considerations may overshadow governance. There is a real risk that funds intended for capital projects could be diverted for political activities, exacerbating inflation, corruption, and abuse of office.
Equally troubling is the National Assembly’s silence in the face of these recurring budget failures. Its inability or unwillingness to hold the executive accountable raises serious questions about its commitment to oversight and the protection of public interest.
In view of the administration’s poor budget performance over the past three years, CHRICED maintains that there is insufficient evidence of meaningful development to justify any claims to re-election.
CHRICED therefore calls for the following:
• A comprehensive audit of all capital allocations and releases from 2023 to 2026.
• Immediate publication of all outstanding 2025 budget implementation reports (Q3 and Q4) in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
• Full accountability from public officials seeking political office ahead of 2027, including compliance with the President’s directive requiring them to resign to ensure governance is not compromised.
• Active citizen engagement to demand transparency, responsible governance, and proper utilization of public resources.
Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development without disciplined, transparent, and accountable budget implementation. CHRICED remains committed to advocating for fiscal responsibility and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Signed:
Victor Emejuiwe
Program Manager, CHRICED