Nigerians want results, not figures – Akpoti on ₦58trn budget

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on President Bola Tinubu to make sure that the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget delivers real benefits to Nigerians, not just impressive numbers.

Reacting to Tinubu’s budget presentation at the National Assembly on Friday, the senator said the session was important but warned against focusing on the size of the budget over its impact.

“It’s not the size of the budget but the quantum of impact felt by Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She stressed that while the large spending plan reflects Nigeria’s economic ambitions and challenges, citizens care more about improvements in their daily lives, such as better jobs, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services.

The senator also emphasized the need for accountability from both government and citizens.

“Leaders must do better, and citizens must demand accountability,” she said.

A member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Akpoti-Uduaghan has long called for transparency, careful management of public funds, and people-centered budgeting. Her remarks reflect widespread concern that Nigeria’s growing budgets have not yet produced enough tangible improvements in welfare and economic stability.

President Tinubu described the 2026 budget as the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” aimed at sustaining recent economic gains, restoring investor confidence, and promoting broad-based growth. He also pledged stricter budget discipline, tougher revenue enforcement, and a firm security stance against armed groups.