BudgIT Worries Over Lack Of Funding For Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, 60 Agencies

Nancy Odimegwu, BudgIT’s Communications Associate, said, “The 2025 budget notably omits funding for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, a capital-intensive infrastructure project.” This omission raises questions about the allocation of funds and the potential reallocation from other critical projects.

Details of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700-kilometre project designed to boost connectivity and economic growth across nine states in Nigeria. Initially budgeted at over $11 billion, the project’s scope has been revised, with the government planning to reduce the number of lanes from ten to six to cut costs.

Despite its significance, the absence of funding in the 2025 Budget could delay its completion and impact Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

Concerns Over Missing Budget Details for MDAs

BudgIT also pointed out the omission of budget breakdowns for several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “We have observed that the 2025 proposed budget breakdown submitted to the National Assembly omits details for some MDAs, commissions, and councils,” the statement read.

Key agencies like the National Judicial Council and TETFUND, with budgets of N341.63 billion and N940.5 billion respectively, are among those missing from the detailed budget.

Historical Context of Budget Inconsistencies

BudgIT highlighted a pattern of budgetary insertions by the National Assembly that deviate from federal priorities.

“In 2021, we observed 5,601 capital projects added to the Appropriation Bill, increasing to 7,447 projects in 2024, amounting to N2.24 trillion,” BudgIT stated. Such insertions raise concerns about transparency and the effective use of public funds.

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Transparency Issues with Regional Development Commissions

The organisation expressed concerns over the allocation of N2.49 trillion to five regional development commissions. These funds, listed under personnel costs, obscure the actual operational expenses.

BudgIT noted, “Lumping development commission budgets under personnel costs raises concerns about transparency and accountability. It hinders proper scrutiny of how these funds are utilized.”

Contradictions in Government Spending Patterns

BudgIT criticised the government’s spending patterns, which contradict its cost-cutting commitments. Referencing President Tinubu’s retirement package for military generals, BudgIT stated, “Such provisions not only inflate the budget but may also demoralise lower-ranking military personnel.”

The package includes a bulletproof SUV, fully paid foreign medical treatment, and a $20,000 estacode for medical trips, which goes against the government’s stated goals to reduce governance costs.

Call for Legislative Accountability

BudgIT called on legislators to prioritise the national interest. “We urge the legislative arm to ensure the approved budget stimulates economic activities, allocates resources for growth, and equitably distributes resources to reduce poverty,” the statement concluded.

This call to action underscores the need for a transparent and accountable budget process that addresses the needs of all Nigerians.