Nigeria probes 2021/2022 budgets

Nigeria is currently under scrutiny as investigations have begun into reports of corruption and mismanagement within the government's budget. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) revealed that over ₦49 billion was paid as salaries to ghost workers in the first half of the year. Additionally, BudgIT Nigeria, a social advocacy organization, uncovered over 460 duplicated projects worth over ₦378 billion in the approved 2022 budget. Gabriel Okeowo, Country Director at BudgIT Nigeria, addressed these concerning findings during an interview on CNBC Africa. The ongoing scrutiny of the 2023 budget, amounting to ₦19.76 trillion, has sparked calls for a reduced deficit and improved transparency in government spending practices. Mr. Okeowo shed light on the issue of duplicated projects, emphasizing that it has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria's budget process. BudgIT Nigeria has been diligently analyzing the federal government budgets each year, pinpointing duplicate items and advocating for transparency. In the 2021 budget, BudgIT identified 2,000 suspected duplicated projects. Despite initial denials, the ICPC confirmed 256 duplicated projects, prompting the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to take action by acknowledging 185 duplicates. However, these issues persisted in the 2022 budget proposal, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of current oversight measures. The persisting challenges of ghost workers and duplicated projects have raised doubts about the government's ability to tackle corruption and streamline budget processes. With a significant deficit to address, there is a growing urgency to enhance accountability and prevent further financial losses. Mr. Okeowo expressed disappointment in the recurring issues plaguing budget implementation, highlighting the need for a more proactive approach to identifying and rectifying discrepancies. As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections and a potential change in government, the focus on budget implementation remains crucial. Mr. Okeowo suggested that improving the budget process itself is essential for long-term reform. While civil society organizations are engaging with the government to provide feedback on budget drafts, the key lies in initiating structural changes to foster greater transparency and efficiency. Despite the challenges ahead, stakeholders are hopeful that increased scrutiny and public engagement will lead to a more accountable and effective budget framework. The revelations of ghost workers and duplicated projects have underscored the importance of stringent oversight and proactive measures to prevent financial mismanagement. As Nigeria navigates its budgetary landscape, the call for improved governance and fiscal responsibility remains a pressing issue that requires collaborative efforts from both government officials and civil society groups.