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.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
