FG defends repeal of 2024/2025 budgets as constitutional, pledges greater transparency
Budget
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) pushed back Wednesday against claims of constitutional violations and fiscal illegality in the recent repeal and re-enactment of Nigeria’s 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts, insisting the moves align fully with the law and serve the public interest.
In a detailed press statement, BOF Director-General Tanimu Yakubu clarified that sections 80–84 of the Constitution empower the National Assembly to repeal and re-enact appropriation laws when fiscal realities demand it.
“The Constitution does not prohibit the National Assembly from repealing and re-enacting an Appropriation Act where fiscal circumstances, implementation realities, or reconciliation of fiscal instruments make such legislative action necessary in the public interest,” the statement read.
Critics have alleged “expenditure without appropriation” and a lack of budget document access, but BOF dismissed these as misconceptions.
It emphasised that such processes consolidate fiscal authority and regularise obligations like debt service and project commitments that span fiscal years.
“The repeal and re-enactment process serves, among other things, to consolidate and regularise fiscal authority through an Act of the National Assembly, thereby reinforcing—not undermining—constitutional control of public funds,” the office stated.
The statement also addressed transparency concerns under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, noting that disclosures must balance document integrity with timely publication.
BOF committed to immediate steps, including making authenticated budget documents available via official channels and boosting citizen-friendly budget communications.
Yakubu underscored Nigeria’s representative democracy in legislative processes.
“Nigeria operates a representative constitutional democracy. Legislative consideration of appropriation, including committee work and plenary proceedings, is a constitutionally recognised method for translating public interest into law through elected representation,” he said.
However, BOF affirmed its dedication to fiscal discipline, vowing strict expenditure controls and stakeholder engagement.
The office concluded that lawful legislative adjustments, backed by presidential assent, upholds the rule of law over informal practices.
