The Budget Office of the Federation has told the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PEAC/PFIPC) that none of the N1.3 billion appropriated for the council in the 2026 Appropriation Act was released or spent.

Appearing before the committee on Friday, the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, said public discourse had focused on the budgetary allocation rather than the constitutional and statutory processes required before government funds could be disbursed.

Yakubu explained that an appropriation only grants legal authority for possible expenditure and does not automatically translate into the release of public funds.

According to him, several regulatory approvals must be obtained before any agency can access budgeted allocations.

He clarified that the Budget Office neither established the council nor approved its recruitment, administrative structure or budget code, stressing that its role was limited to assessing the fiscal implications of proposals submitted by the appropriate government institutions.

The Budget Office boss disclosed that while the council initially proposed N3.85 billion as personnel costs, the agency rejected the estimate and independently recalculated the requirement at N802.98 million, using the approved staff establishment, recruitment waiver and the applicable public service salary structure.

He noted that the revised figure was subsequently incorporated into the Executive Budget proposal before being approved by the National Assembly.

However, Yakubu said the Budget Office never issued financial clearance for the personnel expenditure because key regulatory requirements were not fulfilled.

He identified one of the outstanding conditions as confirmation by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission that the proposed staffing structure and remuneration complied with existing government policies.

Without the required clearance, he said, no recruitment could legally take place, no staff member could be enrolled on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and no salaries could be paid.

He further explained that the N802.98 million personnel allocation, representing about 61.6 per cent of the total appropriation, was never available to the council as cash.

According to him, personnel allocations are paid directly on a monthly basis into the bank accounts of verified federal employees through the government’s payroll system and not transferred as lump sums to ministries, departments or agencies.

“Not one kobo of the personnel provision could lawfully have been drawn. Not one kobo was drawn,” Yakubu told the lawmakers.

On the council’s N200 million overhead allocation, the Director-General said the amount never became eligible for release.

He explained that following concerns over the legal status of the council in June 2026, the Budget Office formally requested the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to suspend all payment processes relating to the council.

Yakubu also disclosed that the N300 million capital allocation remained untouched because none of the mandatory procurement procedures—including approvals by the Ministerial Tenders Board and, where necessary, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)—had been completed before the expenditure process was halted.

He maintained that Nigeria’s public financial management controls functioned effectively by preventing any unlawful disbursement of funds.

According to him, the personnel allocation was stopped at the financial clearance stage, the overhead allocation was halted before warranting and cash backing, while the capital allocation did not progress beyond the procurement approval stage.

“The controls did not discover a loss after the event. They prevented the event,” Yakubu said, adding that there were no public funds to recover because no money was ever released.

The House Ad-hoc Committee is investigating issues surrounding the establishment, funding and operations of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

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The Federation Account Allocation Committee has disbursed a total of N2.036 trillion as federation account revenue for March 2026 to the Federal Government, states, and local government areas.

The allocation was approved at the committee’s April meeting held in Abuja, according to a communiqué issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The distributable revenue comprised N1.320 trillion from statutory revenue, N515.391 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and an additional N200 billion as augmentation.

Data from the communiqué showed that total gross revenue available for March stood at N2.364 trillion. From this amount, N81.084 billion was deducted as cost of collection, while N246.872 billion was set aside for transfers, refunds, and savings.

A breakdown of the disbursement revealed that the Federal Government received N789.159 billion, state governments got N657.596 billion, while local government councils were allocated N468.826 billion.

In addition, N120.759 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation revenue, was distributed to oil-producing states.

Further analysis showed that from the N1.320 trillion statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N632.260 billion, states got N320.691 billion, and local governments received N247.239 billion.

From the VAT component of N515.391 billion, the Federal Government received N51.539 billion, states received N283.465 billion, while local governments got N180.387 billion.

The N200 billion augmentation was also shared, with the Federal Government receiving N105.360 billion, states N53.440 billion, and local governments N41.200 billion.

On revenue performance, gross statutory revenue increased to N1.699 trillion in March, reflecting a rise of N137.914 billion compared to February figures.

However, VAT collections recorded a slight decline, dropping to N664.425 billion from N668.450 billion in the previous month.

The communiqué also highlighted improvements in revenue streams such as Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duties, and Excise Duty.

Conversely, earnings from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Hydrocarbon Tax, oil and gas royalties, import duties, and Common External Tariff declined during the period under review.

FAAC, which meets monthly, is responsible for distributing federally collected revenue among the three tiers of government based on existing allocation frameworks.

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Nigeria’s continued reliance on borrowing to fund its national budget has been defended by the Budget Office of the Federation, which insists that the strategy reflects global fiscal practice rather than economic fragility.

The clarification comes amid public concern following the removal of fuel subsidy, with expectations that the policy would significantly reduce government borrowing and ease fiscal pressure.

Speaking in Kano, Director of Expenditure (Social) at the Budget Office, Yusuf Muhammed Kurawa, explained that borrowing remains a legitimate tool for bridging budget deficits, noting that many economies depend on it to sustain development.

According to him, the critical issue is not borrowing itself but how effectively such loans are managed and deployed to support national priorities and economic growth.

Kurawa acknowledged that Nigeria is currently grappling with fiscal constraints, which continue to impact budget implementation despite ongoing reforms by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He, however, expressed optimism that recent economic policies introduced by the government are beginning to yield results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the reforms take full effect.

The Budget Office official described the national budget as the most important policy document after the constitution, stressing that it plays a central role in shaping economic direction and public spending.

He maintained that the government remains committed to ensuring discipline, transparency, and efficiency in budget execution, adding that all processes within the Budget Office are being handled with precision and accountability.

The remarks come at a time when Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges, including revenue shortfalls, inflationary pressures, and increasing debt obligations, all of which have intensified scrutiny of government borrowing.

Analysts note that while borrowing is a common global practice, its sustainability depends on strong fiscal management, improved revenue generation, and the ability of the economy to absorb and repay debt without compromising growth.

They argue that without significant expansion in revenue sources, reliance on borrowing could continue to strain public finances and limit the government’s capacity to invest in critical sectors.

Nonetheless, officials insist that ongoing reforms are designed to stabilise the economy, improve fiscal balance, and gradually reduce dependence on borrowing over time.

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As the March 31 deadline for filing annual tax returns closes, many Nigerian taxpayers remain unclear about the process despite new legal requirements under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

The law mandates that every income-earning Nigerian must file an annual tax return, covering earnings from the previous year. Personal Income Tax (PIT) is administered by the relevant State Internal Revenue Service based on where the taxpayer resides—not their state of origin.

For most salary earners, taxes are deducted automatically through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system. However, the new law now requires employees to still file annual returns for proper documentation, verification, and to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).

Requirements for filing
To file successfully, taxpayers must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), which can be generated using a National Identification Number (NIN) or obtained from tax authorities.

Other required documents include valid identification, payslips or income statements, bank statements, and records of business or freelance income. Taxpayers may also need proof of deductions such as pension contributions or insurance, rent receipts for relief claims, and previous tax records where applicable.

How the process works
Taxpayers are expected to declare all income sources, including salaries, business earnings, freelance income, dividends, interest, and any foreign income.

Returns must clearly state total income, applicable deductions, and the final tax payable. Filing can be done online through state tax portals or physically at designated tax offices. Importantly, submissions must be made in the taxpayer’s state of residence with accurate personal and financial details.

Who must file
Even under PAYE, filing is compulsory for individuals with additional income streams, multiple jobs, business activities, or those who changed employment within the year.

After submission, taxpayers receive an acknowledgment, and authorities may either accept the filing or issue a revised tax assessment. Taxpayers also retain the right to challenge any assessment within the legal timeframe.

Why compliance matters
Filing tax returns is now a legal obligation tied to access to key services such as government contracts, loans, and visa applications, all of which often require a valid TCC.

Failure to comply attracts penalties. Under the law, defaulters risk a fine of ₦100,000 for the first month and ₦50,000 for each additional month of default.

In extreme cases, tax authorities may invoke the “power of substitution,” allowing them to recover unpaid taxes through third parties such as banks, tenants, or business associates holding funds on behalf of the taxpayer.

The measure is typically enforced after due notice and when a taxpayer fails to settle established liabilities, reinforcing the government’s push for stricter tax compliance across the country.

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Lagos State has emerged as the country’s biggest sub-national spender, with a 2026 budget of N4.44 trillion, as total state budgets across Nigeria rose by 45 per cent.

Proposed spending by state governments climbed to about N36.98 trillion for 2026, up from N25.58 trillion recorded in 2025, reflecting an expansionary fiscal posture at the sub-national level.

The increase follows the passage of proposed 2026 budgets by 34 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly, signalling higher spending plans across the federation.

At the centre of the surge is Lagos State, which maintains its position as Nigeria’s largest sub-national economy with a record N4.44 trillion budget for 2026. The figure places Lagos far ahead of other states in terms of fiscal size and economic capacity.

Kano State also joined the trillion-naira budget category with a proposed N1.48 trillion, but still trails Lagos significantly.

Analysts say the rise in state budgets reflects growing confidence among governments, supported by improved federal allocations and stronger internally generated revenue, particularly in economically vibrant states like Lagos.

Many governors have described the increased spending as necessary to boost infrastructure, improve service delivery, and stimulate local economies amid population growth and federal economic reforms.

By geopolitical zones, the South West, led by Lagos, accounts for the largest share of total sub-national spending, underscoring its stronger economic base and higher internally generated revenue.

However, experts warn that large budgets come with risks. Overly optimistic revenue projections, weak revenue mobilisation, and rising debt servicing costs could put pressure on state finances.

Promad Foundation has also raised concerns about whether the record budgets truly reflect the needs of citizens.

In a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Joseph Akujuobi, the foundation said the real measure of success would be the impact of the budgets on everyday life.

The group stressed that allocations must translate into better roads, functional hospitals, quality schools, improved transport, and real economic opportunities for residents.

Promad also called for greater transparency, citizen participation, and accountability, warning that weak oversight could turn the increased budgets into missed opportunities.

As states move into the implementation phase, observers say Lagos’ large budget will be closely watched as a benchmark for how expanded spending can translate into tangible development outcomes.

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.The Budget Office of the Federation has dismissed widespread claims that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates a ₦246 billion salaries budget, describing the assertion as misleading and based on a poor understanding of Nigeria’s federal budgeting framework.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, following public debates around figures contained in the 2025 federal budget.

According to the Budget Office, the ₦246.77 billion allocation associated with the NEDC represents a statutory lump-sum provision, not a dedicated personnel cost as widely circulated.

What the Budget Office is saying

Yakubu explained that allocations for statutory and quasi-statutory agencies are often presented in aggregate form during the early stages of budget preparation under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

He noted that detailed breakdowns—covering personnel, overheads, and capital expenditure—are typically provided later during budget defence sessions, legislative reviews, and implementation phases.

“The claim that the NEDC exists merely to pay salaries is unfounded. It conflates technical budget presentation with actual expenditure intent, ignores legislative appropriation dynamics, and disregards project-level evidence already embedded in official documents,” Yakubu said.

He further clarified that when agencies are unable to upload complete internal economic breakdowns at the initial budget stage, allocations may temporarily appear under the Personnel Cost heading as a technical placeholder.

“This is a recognised procedural convention pending detailed submissions, legislative adjustments, and approved reallocations during budget execution. It must not be mistaken for spending intent,” he added.

Capital expenditure concerns addressed

Responding to concerns over the comparatively small ₦2.70 billion capital expenditure figure cited by commentators, Yakubu said the amount resulted from National Assembly-approved adjustments to the 2025 budget.

According to him, nearly 70 percent of the NEDC’s capital allocation was deferred to the 2026 fiscal year following legislative decisions on the sequencing and timing of appropriations.

He stressed that this adjustment does not indicate an absence of development projects, noting that official budget schedules clearly outline ongoing and planned interventions across Nigeria’s North East.

These include:

• Agricultural and food security programmes
• Reconstruction of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps
• Rehabilitation of orphanages
• Borehole and water supply projects
• Security logistics support
• Constituency-level development initiatives

“Selective reading of a single budget line while ignoring accompanying schedules is not analysis—it is distortion,” Yakubu said.

Why this matters

The clarification highlights persistent public misunderstanding around federal budget structures, especially for statutory agencies with large development mandates like the NEDC.

Yakubu emphasised that personnel costs remain a legitimate component of any development institution, covering engineers, project managers, procurement officers, monitoring and evaluation teams, and fiduciary oversight functions essential for effective project delivery.

While welcoming public scrutiny, the Budget Office warned that misinformation weakens informed debate and accountability.

What you should know

The NEDC was established to coordinate reconstruction, stabilisation, and development efforts in Nigeria’s North East after years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.

Statutory agencies often receive lump-sum budget allocations at early stages, with detailed breakdowns emerging during legislative review and budget execution.

President Bola Tinubu presented the 2026 budget to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, with a projected ₦23.85 trillion deficit.

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Seeking to sharpen fiscal performance and meet pressing needs, the Sokoto State Executive Council has approved the reallocation of ₦38.8 billion within the 2025 budget. The adjustment, officials say, will not raise the total expenditure but instead redirect funds to critical areas where they are most needed.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Abubakar Zayanna, said after the council meeting on Tuesday that the adjustment reflects a more “realistic and intentional” approach to public finance, aligning with both fiscal management rules and stakeholder demands.

He stressed that the budget size remains unchanged at ₦526.88 billion, but funds were shifted from dormant or underperforming allocations to critical sectors where resources are urgently required.

“All we did was move funds from one code to another,” Zayanna explained. “We reviewed non-discretionary capital receipts unlikely to materialise, cut the corresponding expenditure lines, and increased allocations in areas where revenues exceeded expectations. This adjustment will help us achieve 70 to 80 per cent performance before the end of the year.”

The commissioner added that the revision ensures every naira allocated serves the state effectively, preventing funds from sitting idle while pressing needs go unmet.

In addition to the budget realignment, the council approved reconstruction and rehabilitation works on Ali-Akilu Road and Abdullahi Podi Road. The projects are expected to ease flooding challenges, improve water flow, and provide lasting relief for communities hit by heavy rainfall.

According to a council statement, the interventions will mitigate further environmental and infrastructural damage.

The amended fiscal proposal will now be forwarded to the Sokoto State House of Assembly for consideration and approval, after which it will become enforceable.

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