Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Budget, Says Nigeria Can’t Build Prosperity on Deception and Waste
Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Budget, Says Nigeria Can’t Build Prosperity on Deception and Waste
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable economic growth through what he described as deception, wasteful spending and poor fiscal management.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said recent reports of over ₦210 billion in duplicated and overlapping allocations in the 2026 Federal Budget, alongside Nigeria’s poor performance on several global prosperity indicators, raise serious concerns about the country’s fiscal discipline and economic management.
The former vice president argued that while Nigerians have endured economic hardship following key government reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification and tax adjustments, the alleged discovery of duplicated budgetary provisions undermines public confidence in the government’s commitment to prudent financial management.
Atiku also questioned the transparency surrounding the implementation of fuel subsidy reforms, referring to reported expenditure classified as “Energy Security Expenses” in the audited financial statements of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He called for greater accountability and urged the government to explain the expenditure to Nigerians.
According to him, the national budget should reflect transparency, efficiency and responsible allocation of public resources, warning that repeated allegations of duplicated projects and questionable expenditures could weaken investor confidence and slow economic development.
The former presidential candidate further maintained that the economic challenges facing many Nigerians—including rising living costs, inflation, unemployment and pressure on businesses—require stronger fiscal discipline and policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare.
Atiku concluded that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity depends on transparent governance, accountability and prudent management of public resources, insisting that sustainable development cannot be achieved through wasteful spending or a lack of openness in public finance.
