A presidential aspirant of the Young Progressives Party, Julius Filani, has called on the National Assembly to launch a comprehensive investigation into the implementation of Nigeria’s 2025 and 2026 budgets, arguing that greater transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public confidence in government spending.
Filani made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja, where he urged lawmakers to exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities by scrutinising how appropriated funds have been released, managed and utilised across various sectors of government. According to him, Nigerians deserve a clear account of how public resources are being spent, particularly at a time when the country continues to grapple with economic hardship and security challenges.
The YPP presidential hopeful said recent discussions within the Senate regarding the execution of the federal budget have raised important questions that require urgent legislative attention. He maintained that the National Assembly should ensure that every appropriation approved by lawmakers is implemented in line with the provisions of the law and that any discrepancies are thoroughly investigated.
Filani’s comments followed concerns reportedly raised by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno during an engagement between members of the Senate and the Federal Government’s economic management team over challenges affecting the implementation of the national budget. The YPP chieftain argued that such concerns should not be ignored, stressing that effective oversight remains one of the legislature’s most important constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, one of the major issues deserving investigation is the reported rollover of a substantial portion of the 2025 budget into the 2026 fiscal year. He argued that such a development raises serious questions about the pace of project execution and whether approved allocations are reaching their intended purposes within the expected timeframe.
Filani noted that delayed implementation of capital projects can slow economic growth, reduce the impact of government policies and deprive citizens of essential infrastructure and public services. He therefore urged lawmakers to establish the reasons behind the reported delays and recommend measures that would strengthen budget execution in future fiscal cycles.
The presidential aspirant also called for a detailed review of funding released to security agencies, especially capital allocations intended for equipment, infrastructure and operational improvements.
He said the persistent security challenges facing different parts of the country make it necessary for the National Assembly to determine whether approved funds were fully released and properly utilised in line with the objectives approved in the budget.
According to Filani, transparent oversight of security spending would not only improve public confidence but also ensure that resources allocated to protecting lives and property achieve their intended results.
Beyond expenditure, the YPP aspirant urged lawmakers to examine the management of federation revenues, saying Nigerians deserve greater clarity on how public income is collected, distributed and accounted for.
He argued that stronger fiscal transparency would improve governance, encourage responsible public finance management and strengthen investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
Filani warned that weak budget implementation and inadequate accountability could undermine economic planning, discourage investment and slow the country’s development efforts if left unaddressed.
He therefore encouraged the National Assembly to conduct what he described as a thorough and evidence based investigation using official financial records and constitutional provisions rather than political considerations.
The YPP presidential hopeful further appealed to citizens to remain actively engaged in demanding accountability from public office holders, stressing that transparent governance is essential for sustainable national development.
Political analysts say effective oversight of budget implementation remains one of the legislature’s most significant constitutional functions because it helps ensure that government agencies comply with approved spending plans while reducing opportunities for financial mismanagement.
They also note that regular reviews of budget performance can help identify implementation challenges early, allowing policymakers to make necessary adjustments that improve service delivery and accelerate project completion.
As preparations continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, issues relating to fiscal responsibility, prudent management of public funds and government accountability are expected to feature prominently in national political debates.
Filani’s latest call adds to growing public discussions about the importance of ensuring that annual budgets translate into visible development projects and measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Whether the National Assembly will initiate the broad investigation requested by the YPP presidential aspirant remains to be seen. However, the renewed demand has once again brought national attention to the critical issue of budget implementation and the role of legislative oversight in promoting transparency, accountability and effective governance.
