Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Tinubu administration over reports of alleged duplicated and overlapping allocations exceeding ₦210 billion in the proposed 2026 federal budget, describing the development as evidence of poor fiscal management.

In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the reported budget irregularities, coupled with Nigeria’s poor performance on several global prosperity indicators, cast doubt on the government’s claims that its economic reforms are yielding positive results.

According to him, Nigerians have endured years of economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification and other fiscal reforms, which were presented as necessary sacrifices to stabilise the economy.

He maintained that a government asking citizens to make difficult sacrifices should also demonstrate transparency and prudent management of public funds, adding that allegations of duplicated projects and questionable budget provisions undermine public confidence.

The former vice president said the reported budget issues are part of what he described as a recurring pattern of questionable fiscal practices, including allocations for projects outside the mandates of certain government agencies and controversial budget insertions.

Atiku also questioned the administration’s handling of fuel subsidy, citing figures contained in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s audited 2024 financial statements. He alleged that the reported ₦7.13 trillion classified as “Energy Security Expenses” suggests subsidy payments continued despite the government’s announcement that fuel subsidy had been removed.

He argued that Nigerians deserve a full explanation of how such expenditures were approved and managed, insisting that transparency is essential to maintaining public trust in government reforms.

According to Atiku, the alleged budget duplications point to broader concerns about fiscal discipline, warning that weaknesses in the budgeting process could erode investor confidence and weaken confidence in public institutions.

He further stated that while government officials continue to highlight positive macroeconomic indicators, many Nigerians are still grappling with rising living costs, inflation, unemployment and the closure of businesses.

The former vice president added that the country’s economic challenges are reflected in its declining performance on several international prosperity measures, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without efficient management of public resources.

Atiku also questioned the government’s continued borrowing despite improved oil prices, arguing that citizens are increasingly concerned about whether borrowed funds are being utilised effectively.

He concluded by saying that meaningful economic reform requires the same level of accountability and financial discipline from government that is expected of ordinary Nigerians.