Nigerians are raising their voices in a powerful call to action, demanding that federal lawmakers exercise their constitutional authority to hold the executive branch accountable for the country's mounting debt profile.
The urgent plea comes as the nation prepares for the 2025 appropriation bill of approximately ₦41 trillion, with citizens expressing deep concerns about the sustainability of continued borrowing without adequate oversight.
Citizens Speak Out on Fiscal Responsibility
Across various sectors of society, Nigerians are emphasizing the critical role legislators must play in scrutinizing loan requests and ensuring borrowed funds are properly utilized for national development. The message is clear: lawmakers must move beyond rubber-stamping executive proposals and instead conduct thorough due diligence on all borrowing plans.
The ₦41 Trillion Budget Challenge
With the 2025 budget expected to maintain the trend of significant deficit financing, citizens are urging their representatives to:
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of all loan requests
- Demand clear repayment plans and revenue projections
- Ensure borrowed funds are allocated to productive sectors
- Monitor implementation to prevent mismanagement
- Protect future generations from debt burdens
Strengthening Legislative Oversight
The public demand highlights growing awareness of the National Assembly's constitutional mandate to check executive power, particularly in fiscal matters. Many Nigerians believe that robust legislative oversight is essential for preventing wasteful spending and ensuring that borrowed funds translate to tangible development outcomes.
This citizen-led initiative represents a significant shift toward greater public engagement in governance processes, with taxpayers increasingly demanding transparency and accountability in how national resources are managed.
As budget preparations continue, all eyes remain on the National Assembly to see whether lawmakers will heed this public call for stronger fiscal oversight or maintain business-as-usual approaches to executive loan approvals.
