2025 Budget: Interrogate legislators, demand explanations, HURIWA tells citizens

The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) has questioned the rationale behind the unprecedented increase of the 2025 budget to N54.99 trillion by the National Assembly.

The increase sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians awaiting further clarification from the government and the National Assembly on the justification for the hike.

However, the budget was passed on Thursday, leading to criticism of the lawmakers, who are now accused of misplaced priorities, fiscal irresponsibility, and potential political motives ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a chat with The Guardian, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, called on the National Assembly to provide a more transparent explanation for the adjustment.

“The reason given for this unprecedented increase in the budget is not tenable,” Onwubiko said, suggesting that the increase could be a strategy to divert funds for political campaigns ahead of the next elections.

“The only way Nigerians can interpret this is that some individuals in government might be diverting funds to prepare for upcoming elections, which are less than two years away,” he said, alleging that the ruling party may be using the inflated budget to incentivize defections and fund campaign activities.

Onwubiko referenced recent political movements, including defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and called for Nigerians to scrutinise the National Assembly’s actions.

“Nigerians need to interrogate the actions of the National Assembly regarding these budgetary increases and demand a proper explanation for such an excessive increment,” he said. He also urged citizens to hold lawmakers accountable to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds.

“The explanation given for this budget increase is completely unacceptable. It is unfortunate and must be challenged,” Onwubiko stressed.