The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to ensure that the 2025 national budget aligns with Nigeria’s long-term development objectives. In a statement released by its secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP emphasized the importance of resource allocation that maximizes impact for the country’s growth.
The 2025 Nigerian budget, pegged at 49 trillion naira, has sparked debate about the country’s economic direction, particularly with 16 trillion naira—approximately 32% of the total budget—earmarked for debt servicing. This allocation raises concerns about the government’s ability to prioritize investments in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
According to CUPP, the significant debt servicing allocation leaves only 33 trillion naira for other spending, including 14.2 trillion naira for recurrent expenses and 13 trillion naira for capital projects. The group questioned whether the government’s focus on debt repayment over national development will truly spur economic growth.
The group further expressed concern over the government’s track record, citing the underperformance of the 2024 budget, with capital budget implementation at a mere 25%. CUPP warned that such a performance record casts doubt on the government’s capacity to effectively manage and implement the budget for 2025.
Additionally, recurrent expenses, which make up around 29% of the budget, have been criticized for their limited impact on Nigeria’s economic development. These expenditures, including government agency operations and salaries, do not directly contribute to the country’s long-term growth.
CUPP highlighted that while capital projects, constituting roughly 26% of the 2025 budget, offer the potential to drive economic development, the allocation of 13 trillion naira may fall short of addressing Nigeria’s vast infrastructure needs.
The coalition concluded that the government must reassess its priorities and ensure that the 2025 budget effectively addresses the nation’s urgent development challenges.
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