FG Has Legal Backing to Operate Multiple Budgets, Says Budget Office DG

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, has stated that the Federal Government has the legal authority to operate multiple budgets simultaneously.

This clarification comes amid public concerns over the simultaneous implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the 2024 Supplementary Budget, and preparations for the 2025 Appropriation Act.

Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Yakubu explained that the co-existence of these budgets is backed by existing financial and legal frameworks, and is not an anomaly.

He said the approach is designed to ensure continuity in capital projects and timely responses to emerging national priorities.

According to him, the 2024 Appropriation Act remains valid until December 31, 2024, while the supplementary budget addresses urgent needs such as security and humanitarian interventions.

The 2025 Appropriation Bill, already being processed, aims to sustain the January–December budget cycle and allow for early approvals.

Yakubu added that the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Finance Act, and relevant clauses in appropriation laws provide the foundation for such fiscal operations. He noted that Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines and public financial management procedures also support the rollover of funds and execution of multi-year capital projects.

He said the current practice aligns with global standards, citing countries like Kenya, India, and Indonesia, which have adopted similar systems during reform or transition periods.

Yakubu described the practice as a necessary response to administrative realities and implementation lags.

“This is not budgetary confusion. It is a strategic and legal mechanism that allows us to meet our development targets without disruption,” he said.

While some critics have questioned the transparency of running multiple budgets, Yakubu emphasized that the government remains committed to accountability, clear documentation, and regular reporting to oversight bodies.

He urged Nigerians to focus less on the number of budgets and more on execution quality and fiscal discipline, stressing that the government’s actions are both lawful and in the country’s best interest.