‘This Is Shameful’ -Peter Obi Raises Concerns Over Alleged N3tn Budget Discrepancy

The Labour Party, (LP), presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has expressed concerns over an alleged N3tn discrepancy between the budget approved by the National Assembly and the one being implemented by the Presidency.

Obi noted that the discrepancy represents over 10 per cent of the national budget, which prompted demand for transparency and accountability from both the Nigerian Senate and the Presidency.

Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central had raised concerns about the missing N3tn in the 2024 N28.7tn budget.

In response, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, dismissed Ningi’s claim, asserting that the National Assembly increased the budget by N1.2tn in line with democratic principles.

While reacting, Obi expressed disappointment and criticised the lack of transparency in handling public funds, emphasizing the breach of trust involved.

Posting on his X on early Monday, Obi wrote: “I find it deeply disconcerting and a matter of grave concern and even shameful to read about the alleged N3tn discrepancy between the budget approved by the Nigerian Senate and the one being implemented by the presidency.

“One Senator claims there is a separate budget, allegedly containing the N3tn, that differs from what was passed by the National Assembly.

“This alleged discrepancy is especially worrying because it represents over 10 pet cent of our national budget (estimated at N29tn) and is more than the combined education (N1.54tn) and health (N1.38tn) official budgets.

“We also deserve full accountability of all our scarce resources placed in public trust. Therefore, we, the Nigerian people, demand a public explanation from both the National Assembly and the Presidency regarding the purpose and process of adding this alleged N3tn.”