Shettima Rejects Slimmer Budget Push

Shettima Rejects Slimmer Budget Push

At a policy dialogue in Abuja, Kashim Shettima and Ben Akabueze called for changes to Nigeria’s budgeting system as the government pushes ahead with a N68tn fiscal plan.

The discussion centred on making budgets more realistic and tied to national growth goals.

Speaking through his adviser, the vice president defended the larger budget under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying expansion was needed to drive development. He added that economic plans must improve living standards, not just GDP figures.

He rejected calls for a smaller budget, insisting planning must be bold and forward-looking. He said tariff cuts on raw materials and equipment were already helping key sectors.

Akabueze, however, pointed to deep flaws in how budgets are executed, warning that poor coordination has left thousands of projects abandoned nationwide.

He urged a shift towards budgets that deliver real outcomes, warning that without reform, spending will continue to fall short.