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CHRICED Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Poor Capital Budget Implementation, Demands Accountability
CHRICED Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Poor Capital Budget Implementation, Demands Accountability
By: Michael Mike
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement the capital components of the national budget, warning that the trend is undermining development and worsening economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Programme Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, the civic organisation said an examination of budget implementation data released by the Budget Office of the Federation reveals a consistent pattern of weak performance in the execution of capital projects.
CHRICED noted that although the Federal Government approved a capital budget of ₦9.9 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, only ₦5.81 trillion was eventually released for implementation. Out of this amount, ₦3.27 trillion was utilized.
While the figure represents 81.91 percent of the funds released, the organisation argued that the performance is significantly weaker when compared with the total capital allocation approved in the budget, leaving numerous development projects either delayed or abandoned.
According to the group, the situation deteriorated further in 2025, describing the year’s implementation record as “deeply troubling.”
It pointed out that the Budget Office of the Federation has yet to publish the third and fourth quarter budget implementation reports for 2025, despite legal provisions that require regular disclosure of such information.
CHRICED said the limited data currently available shows that out of a projected ₦23.44 trillion capital budget for 2025, only ₦34.32 billion was released during the first quarter, while ₦393.86 billion was released in the second quarter.
The organisation stressed that the combined releases represent less than one percent of the total capital allocation, describing the situation as clear evidence that the country’s capital budgets for both 2024 and 2025 have largely remained unimplemented.
The group warned that the persistent failure to execute capital projects raises serious questions about governance priorities, particularly at a time when citizens are being asked to endure severe economic difficulties in the name of ongoing reforms.
“While Nigerians are facing rising fuel costs, inflation and declining purchasing power following the removal of fuel subsidy, there is little visible progress in the implementation of projects that should stimulate economic growth and improve living standards,” the statement said.
CHRICED argued that the imbalance between capital and recurrent spending has become increasingly pronounced, noting that funds required for government operations and administrative expenses continue to be released promptly, while development projects remain underfunded.
According to the organisation, the consequences of this imbalance are already evident in deteriorating infrastructure, struggling public services, and declining confidence in government institutions.
The group further warned that the country’s key sectors—including education, healthcare and electricity—are suffering from prolonged underinvestment, even as poverty levels remain high and unemployment continues to rise.
It also expressed concern that the approach of the 2027 Nigerian general elections could worsen the situation, cautioning that political calculations may begin to overshadow governance priorities.
CHRICED said there is a real risk that resources intended for development projects could be redirected toward political activities, a development it said would deepen corruption, accelerate inflationary pressures and further erode public trust in government.
The organisation also criticised the perceived silence of the National Assembly of Nigeria, saying the legislature must demonstrate stronger oversight to ensure that budget approvals translate into tangible development outcomes.
“The failure of the legislature to aggressively interrogate these recurring lapses raises serious concerns about its commitment to protecting the public interest and ensuring accountability in the management of national resources,” the group stated.
Against this backdrop, CHRICED called for a comprehensive audit of all capital allocations and releases from 2023 to 2026 to determine how public funds have been managed and whether approved projects have been executed.
The organisation also demanded the immediate publication of the outstanding 2025 budget implementation reports in accordance with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Nigeria).
In addition, it urged public officials planning to contest political positions ahead of 2027 to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
CHRICED further called on citizens and civil society groups to remain vigilant and actively demand responsible governance, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without transparency, fiscal discipline and effective implementation of national budgets.
CHRICED Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Poor Capital Budget Implementation, Demands Accountability
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:33 a.m. on April 13 when an ambush team of 202 Battalion deployed at Bravo Kilo sighted a terrorist crossing the parapet at a defensive company location.
According to the sources, the troops engaged and neutralised five of the suspect on sight.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing clearance and ambush missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue
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