The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the approved 2026 budget, describing the allegations as inaccurate and based on a misinterpretation of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2026 Article IV Consultation Report. Officials insisted that all government expenditures were made within Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the Federal Government does not operate a “shadow budget” and has not spent public funds outside legislative approval. He explained that all federal expenditures are backed by Appropriation Acts, Supplementary Appropriation Acts, or other statutory authorisations approved by the National Assembly.

According to the minister, some of the figures referenced in public discussions relate to statutory transfers, multi-year capital projects, debt servicing obligations, and other legally authorised expenditures that may be presented differently under international fiscal reporting standards. He stressed that these accounting classifications should not be interpreted as evidence of unlawful or undisclosed spending.

Oyedele further clarified that the IMF’s observations were focused on improving the comprehensiveness and presentation of Nigeria’s fiscal reporting rather than alleging illegal spending or financial misconduct. He added that the government is implementing reforms to harmonise budget reporting and strengthen transparency in public financial management.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to prudent fiscal management, accountability, and compliance with constitutional provisions governing public finance. Officials also urged the public to rely on verified information when assessing fiscal reports and budget implementation

The post FG rejects claims of ₦8 trillion off-budget spending appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

MDAs spend ₦11.8bn on fuel in four months as rising petrol costs continue to increase operational expenses across federal government agencies.

Data obtained from the Open Treasury Portal showed that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government spent approximately ₦11.85 billion on fuel for vehicles and generators between January and April 2026. The figure represents a significant increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

The expenditure reflects growing energy costs faced by public institutions following increases in domestic fuel prices and developments in the global oil market. The Open Treasury Portal, which tracks government spending and budget implementation, recorded the payments under fuel-related operational expenses.

According to the data, spending on motor vehicle fuel rose substantially during the review period, while expenditure on generator and plant fuel also recorded notable growth. The increase highlights the dependence of many government agencies on fuel-powered transportation and electricity generation to sustain operations.

Budget allocations for fuel expenses also increased in 2026, reflecting expectations of higher energy costs throughout the year. Despite the rise in spending, only a small portion of the approved annual fuel budgets had been utilized as of April, leaving a significant balance available for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Beyond vehicle and generator fuel, spending on other categories such as aircraft fuel, sea boat fuel, and fuel for transport equipment also recorded sharp increases during the period. These expenditures contributed to the overall rise in government fuel-related costs.

Analysts say the trend underscores the impact of market-based fuel pricing on public sector operations. As Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector remains largely deregulated, fluctuations in global oil prices and exchange rates continue to influence domestic fuel costs.

The development has renewed discussions on energy efficiency, alternative power solutions, and cost-management strategies within government institutions as authorities seek to balance operational needs with fiscal sustainability.

The post MDAs Spend ₦11.8bn on Fuel in Four Months appeared first on Housing TV Africa.