CISLAC Faults Proposed ₦54.2 Trillion Budget Adjustment, Flags Constitutional Breaches
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised alarm over President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to increase the 2025 budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, citing constitutional and procedural violations.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC argues that the adjustment bypasses section 81(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires a supplementary appropriation bill for additional expenditures saying instead, the executive merely informed the National Assembly via a letter, a move CISLAC says undermines legislative oversight and sets a dangerous precedent.
The advocacy group also questioned the government’s fiscal planning, highlighting Nigeria’s soaring debt servicing costs which rose from ₦712 billion in 2014 to ₦16.32 trillion in 2025 while many debt-funded projects remain stalled.
CISLAC further criticised allocations to defunct agencies, warning against financial waste.
Calling for transparency and adherence to due process, CISLAC urged lawmakers to scrutinise the budget adjustment and ensure fiscal responsibility.
“Economic growth must be pursued within the bounds of constitutional legality and accountability,” the statement emphasised.
