The federal government has allocated N2.3 trillion for the scrapped ministries of Niger Delta and Sports Development in the 2025 budget proposals, according to Daily Trust. While it’s unclear whether this was an error, experts suggest the budget lacks thorough preparation, even if the funds were meant for the new Ministry of Regional Development and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
In October, the government abolished the Ministries of Niger Delta and Sports, with the National Sports Commission assuming the role of the Ministry of Sports Development. President Tinubu’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, presented to the National Assembly last week, also showed no mention of the Ministry of Regional Development.
Interestingly, the budget allocates N95 billion for the scrapped Ministry of Sports Development, with N0.9 billion for personnel, N14 billion for overhead, and N79.7 billion for capital expenditure. The new Ministry of Regional Development, which supervises regional development bodies like NDDC and NEDC, was not explicitly captured in the budget.
The budget for the scrapped Niger Delta Ministry is N2.23 trillion, with N2.205 trillion allocated for personnel, N1.7 billion for overhead, and N24.5 billion for capital expenditure. Additionally, the regional development commissions have separate allocations, totaling N2.49 trillion for the NDDC, NEDC, and newly established commissions for other regions.
Meanwhile, the State House has been allocated N179.6 million for wildlife conservation, including N124.6 million for the Presidential Wildlife Sanctuary upgrade and N54.9 million for the Villa Ranch conversion.
Atiku Criticizes the 2025 Budget
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the budget, claiming it lacks structural reforms and fiscal discipline needed to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. He called for reduced inefficiencies, improved government operations, and better long-term fiscal strategies. He also raised concerns over increasing debt and unsustainable spending patterns, noting that debt servicing now equals nearly a third of total expenditure.
Civil Society’s Reaction
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, described the inclusion of funds for scrapped ministries as “embarrassing and scandalous,” urging the National Assembly to carefully review the budget. He emphasized the need for a realistic budget to address poverty, unemployment, and social infrastructure, rather than one that appears to waste taxpayer money on non-existent ministries.
