By Nworisa Michael
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education has expressed concern over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to effectively implement the capital components of the national budget.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation’s Programme Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, said findings from a review of official budget implementation reports published by the Budget Office of the Federation reveal a consistent pattern of underperformance in capital expenditure.
According to the group, the 2024 fiscal year recorded significant gaps, with only N5.81 trillion released out of the N9.9 trillion capital budget, while N3.27 trillion was eventually utilised. Although this represents over 80 percent utilisation of released funds, CHRICED noted that the figure falls far below expectations when measured against the total allocation, leaving many development projects unexecuted.
The organisation further highlighted a worsening situation in 2025, pointing out that the Budget Office is yet to publish third and fourth quarter implementation reports, a move it described as a violation of statutory requirements.
Available data, it said, show that out of a projected N23.44 trillion capital expenditure for 2025, only N34.32 billion was released in the first quarter and N393.86 billion in the second quarter amounting to less than one percent of the total budget.
CHRICED warned that the continued delay in capital releases, despite calls for economic reforms, has resulted in a backlog of unfulfilled projects, with budget obligations frequently rolled over into subsequent fiscal years. The group also noted that the 2026 budget remains unsigned at the end of the first quarter.
The organisation described the situation as a reflection of deeper governance challenges, particularly given claims by the administration of improved revenue performance, which it said have not translated into tangible development outcomes.
It added that while recurrent expenditure mainly for the cost of governance continues to receive timely funding, capital projects critical to infrastructure and economic growth are being neglected, thereby worsening living conditions for citizens.
The group linked the situation to rising hardship across the country, including the effects of fuel subsidy removal, increasing petrol prices, and the general cost of living, which it said have intensified poverty and strained key sectors such as education, healthcare, and power.
CHRICED also raised concerns over the potential politicisation of public funds as the 2027 general elections approach, warning that resources meant for development projects could be diverted for political purposes.
The organisation criticised the National Assembly for what it described as a lack of effective oversight, stating that its silence on recurring budget failures raises questions about its commitment to accountability.
In light of these concerns, CHRICED called for a comprehensive audit of capital allocations and disbursements from 2023 to 2026, as well as the immediate publication of all outstanding 2025 budget implementation reports in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
It also urged public officials seeking elective positions ahead of 2027 to demonstrate accountability, including complying with directives requiring them to resign where necessary to avoid conflicts between governance and political ambition.
The group further called on citizens to actively demand transparency and responsible governance, stressing that sustainable development in Nigeria depends on disciplined and accountable budget implementation.
