Prioritise 2025 executive role funds as nationwide emergency- Fiscal transparency workforce to Tinubu

Introduction: Prioritizing Fiscal Transparency in 2025 Executive Funds Amid National Challenges

The 2025 executive funds allocation in Nigeria has emerged as a critical governance issue, with civic organizations advocating for urgent reforms to address systemic inefficiencies in the country’s fiscal system. The Coalition for Equitable Development and Fiscal Justice (CEDFJ) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to treat the allocation and management of these funds as a national emergency. This plea underscores growing concerns about bureaucratic delays, corruption, and the erosion of public trust in government-led development initiatives. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the effectiveness of fiscal policies will play a pivotal role in shaping voter confidence and the legitimacy of the administration’s reform agenda.

Analysis of Fiscal Inefficiencies in Nigeria’s Executive Funds Management

Bureaucratic Bottlenecks in the Ministry of Finance

The CEDFJ report highlights the Ministry of Finance as the primary obstacle to effective implementation of President Tinubu’s economic reforms. According to the coalition, the ministry’s “bureaucratic aloneness” has led to delayed execution of projects, outdated digital tools, and a failure to translate policy goals into measurable outcomes. This inefficiency has stalled critical initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades and healthcare improvements, undermining the Renewed Hope Agenda promoted by the administration.

Impact on Budget Utilization and Economic Stability

Data reviewed by CEDFJ reveals that less than 70% of executive funds allocated between 2021 and 2024 were effectively utilized across federal agencies. This cyclical underutilization exacerbates inflationary pressures, as unspent allocations fail to stimulate economic growth. For instance, stalled road projects and incomplete sanitation facilities have left local communities grappling with deteriorating infrastructure, further eroding confidence in fiscal accountability.

Electoral Implications: 2027 Elections and Public Sentiment

The coalition argues that the government’s inability to deliver on fiscal promises risks alienating voters ahead of the 2027 elections. If citizens perceive the administration’s reform efforts as superficial due to implementation failures, political support may dwindle. This scenario mirrors historical precedents where delayed fiscal execution led to public disillusionment and electoral backlash.

Summary: Key Issues Highlighted by CEDFJ

The CEDFJ’s report identifies three core challenges:

1. Execution Delays: Slow processing of executive orders and budget releases.
2. Digital Modernization Deficits: Outdated fiscal management tools hinder transparency and efficiency.
3. Accountability Gaps: Weak oversight mechanisms allow bureaucratic inertia to persist.

These factors, compounded by systemic corruption, threaten to derail Nigeria’s development trajectory.

Key Points: Understanding the Fiscal Transparency Crisis

1. Underutilization of Funds as a Systemic Problem

Between 2021 and 2024, only 13% of ministry budgets were fully implemented, according to CEDFJ. This trend signals a broader breakdown in fiscal discipline, where resources are allocated but not deployed effectively.

2. CEDFJ’s Proposed Reforms

The coalition advocates for:

• Quarterly Performance Audits: To ensure funds are spent as intended.
• Presidential Oversight Board: To monitor implementation and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
• Technology Integration: Upgrading the Ministry of Finance’s digital infrastructure to align with global standards.

3. Consequences of Inaction

Failure to address these issues could lead to:

• Intensified public skepticism toward government promises.
• Fueling inflation due to delayed project implementation.
• Voter apathy or opposition during the 2027 elections.

Practical Advice for Enhancing Fiscal Accountability

Establish a Presidential Tracking Mechanism

The coalition recommends that President Tinubu create a dedicated unit within the Office of the Head of Civil Service to monitor executive fund utilization. This body could enforce accountability through real-time dashboards tracking project timelines and expenditures.

Mandate Quarterly Efficiency Reports

Requiring the Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General’s office to submit quarterly reports to the National Assembly would foster transparency. Independent audits of these reports could further ensure compliance.

Modernize Digital Fiscal Systems

Investing in blockchain-based budget tracking tools and AI-driven financial analytics could streamline operations. Pilot programs in the Ministry of Finance have shown potential for reducing fraud and improving resource allocation accuracy.

Points of Caution: Risks of Bureaucratic Inertia

Delaying reforms could:

• Deepening Distrust: Persistent inefficiencies may lead citizens to view anti-corruption pledges as empty rhetoric.
• Economic Fragmentation: Regional disparities in infrastructure development could escalate tensions.
• Drain Public Resources: Recurring inefficiencies divert funds from critical sectors like education and healthcare.

Comparison: Learning from Past Reforms

While Nigeria’s 2025 fiscal challenges echo past criticisms of the “bureaucratic bottleneck dilemma,” lessons from the 2016 Budget Implementation Act and the 2020 Treasury Single Account (TSA) reforms offer a roadmap for improvement. The TSA, for instance, improved transparency by consolidating funds into a single account, reducing leakages. However, without corresponding digital infrastructure upgrades, these gains were limited. CEDFJ argues that combining such innovations with robust oversight frameworks could yield better results.

Legal Implications: Ensuring Compliance and Accountability

While no specific legal mandates directly address executive fund utilization rates, Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act and Financial Resources Act provide frameworks for accountability. CEDFJ suggests leveraging these laws to penalize agencies exceeding 30-day fund release periods. Additionally, the Electoral Act could be amended to factor fiscal delivery performance into voter education campaigns, linking accountability to electoral outcomes.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Reforms in Fiscal Governance

The CEDFJ’s warnings underscore a stark reality: Nigeria’s 2025 executive funds cannot be treated as a routine exercise. With lessons from past failures and global best practices, President Tinubu has a unique opportunity to embed fiscal transparency into the country’s renewal agenda. Success hinges on dismantling bureaucratic hurdles, leveraging technology, and fostering public trust through measurable results. As the 2027 elections loom, the next six months will prove whether the “Renewed Hope” agenda is grounded in sustainable reforms or transient promises.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions About Fiscal Transparency

Why are executive funds a critical issue for Nigeria’s 2025 reforms?

Executive funds drive development projects nationwide. Delays stall infrastructure, healthcare, and energy initiatives, undermining economic growth and public confidence.

How can citizens monitor fiscal accountability?

Tools like the National Payments System (NPS) and the Nigerian Treasury Portal provide transparency. NGOs like CEDFJ also publish annual reports on budget utilization.

What role does the Ministry of Finance play in this crisis?

As the de facto regulator of public spending, the ministry’s inefficiencies directly impact project timelines and resource allocation, creating systemic bottlenecks.