CISLAC Raises Alarm Over Budget Padding, Demands Accountability in 2025 Fiscal Plan
Maryam Aminu
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a stern warning regarding the Federal Government’s 2025 Budget of Restoration, calling for transparency, accountability, and a focus on the genuine needs of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC expressed alarm over the inclusion of questionable allocations, such as funds for disbanded ministries like the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Ministry of Sports.
The organization labeled these allocations as evidence of poor needs assessment and a lack of accountability, urging the government to institute reforms to regain public confidence.
CISLAC also criticized the persistent misuse of the budget process by certain legislators, highlighting the practice of channeling resources into constituency projects without a legal framework for monitoring.
“Many of these projects are executed outside public procurement regulations and fail to meet the actual needs of the people,” the statement read.
Referencing the Auditor-General’s report, CISLAC revealed irregular payments totaling over ₦197.72 billion across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) between 2020 and 2021.
The report cited systemic breaches of financial compliance and procurement rules, which CISLAC described as glaring instances of mismanagement.
The group called on the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly to take decisive steps to rectify these lapses and recover stolen funds.
Amid allegations of extortion and fraudulent insertions in the budget process, CISLAC urged the National Assembly to prioritize credibility and transparency in their review of the 2025 budget.
“To rebuild public trust, legislators must ensure a budget free of malpractice and irregularities,” the statement emphasized.
The organization also took aim at parastatals receiving statutory allocations despite their failure to deliver results. It called for adherence to the Auditor-General’s recommendations to prevent scandals, eliminate allocations to non-existent entities, and avoid project duplications.
To ensure fiscal discipline, CISLAC appealed to the National Assembly to intensify oversight and move beyond superficial engagement during budget presentations.
It further urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate fraudulent practices and enforce compliance with procurement laws.
“The impact of this budget must be felt by Nigerians, not lost to corruption and padding,” CISLAC stressed.
As Nigerians await the rollout of the 2025 budget, the advocacy group reiterated the need for a fiscal framework that reflects the aspirations of the people. It underscored the importance of accountability, transparency, and efficient execution to ensure the budget delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
