In a powerful statement that underscores the depth of Nigeria’s fiscal woes, former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has condemned the country’s entrenched corruption, describing Nigeria as “a crime scene” following revelations of ₦7 trillion in questionable projects inserted into the 2025 national budget.
Obi, known for his frank commentary on governance and accountability, reacted to findings by BudgIT, a civic tech organization, which exposed the staggering insertion of fraudulent projects into the national budget. He asserted that the ₦7 trillion figure is likely only a fraction of the total amount misappropriated.
“This brazen impunity by our leaders is precisely why the country cannot invest adequately in education, healthcare, agriculture, and security,” Obi said, pointing out that the misappropriated funds exceed the combined allocations of four critical ministries: Education (₦3.52 trillion), Health (₦2.48 trillion), Humanitarian Affairs (₦260 billion), and Agriculture (₦636.08 billion), which together total ₦6.896 trillion.
Obi’s outrage also extended to national security spending. “How do we justify this when Nigeria remains one of the most terrorised nations in the world?” he asked, referencing the ₦6.1 trillion allocated to security—less than the dubious insertions.
He argued that the consequences of corruption are evident in Nigeria’s 20 million out-of-school children, widespread hunger, decaying primary healthcare, and the neglect of MSMEs, which are vital to national economic stability.
Peter Obi’s statement concluded with a rallying cry: “We must confront this corruption, misappropriation, and fiscal recklessness with unwavering resolve. Our national resources must be transparently managed and strategically invested… A new Nigeria is POssible.”
As the fallout from the budget revelations continues, Obi’s voice adds significant weight to the growing public demand for accountability and reform.
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