N3 Trillion Budget Padding Allegations: Presidency Replies Northern Senators

The presidency has strongly denied allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by the national assembly with an additional N3 trillion. In response to claims made by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, the presidency clarified that there is no truth to the assertion that the federal government is operating with two versions of the budget.

Ningi, who is also the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, expressed concerns in an interview with BBC Hausa, stating that a thorough review by northern senators revealed a discrepancy of N3 trillion in the budget. He emphasized the detrimental impact this could have on the northern region and the country as a whole.

However, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide, refuted these claims in a statement on Sunday. Onanuga clarified that President Bola Tinubu presented a N27.5 trillion budget to the national assembly, not the alleged N25 trillion as suggested by Senator Ningi. He highlighted that the national assembly passed a budget of N28.7 trillion, increasing the proposed amount by N1.2 trillion.

Onanuga emphasized the transparency of the budgetary process, stating that any adjustments were made by the national assembly in the exercise of its power of appropriation. He dismissed the notion that the budget was “anti-north” as “uncharitable,” asserting that President Tinubu’s government is committed to fairness and equity across all regions of Nigeria.

The presidential aide assured that the northern part of the country is adequately covered in various sectors, including security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and essential infrastructure. The 2024 budget, passed by both arms of the national assembly in December 2023, includes N1.7 trillion for statutory transfers, N8.7 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and N9.9 trillion for capital expenditure.