\n\nThe Federal Government has dismissed allegations that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the approved 2026 national budget, describing the claims as misleading and lacking proper context.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, the government explained that all federal expenditures are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Appropriation Act approved by the National Assembly. Officials stressed that there is no “shadow budget” and that every public expenditure follows established legal and financial procedures.
The clarification came after public discussions surrounding observations in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2026 Article IV Consultation Report. According to the ministry, some of the figures being circulated relate to multi-year capital projects, which are legally implemented across several budget cycles rather than within a single fiscal year.
Government officials maintained that transparency and accountability remain central to the administration’s economic reforms and urged Nigerians to rely on verified information when discussing public finances. They added that budget implementation continues to be subject to constitutional oversight and legislative approval.
The statement has sparked fresh debate among economists, civil society groups and opposition figures, with many calling for continued public disclosure of government spending to strengthen trust and fiscal accountability. While the government insists no laws have been violated, discussions over transparency in public finance are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
