CHRICED Decries Budget Failures, Demands Transparency in Capital Expenditure.
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement capital components of the national budget.
In a press release issued on March 25, 2026, the organization said repeated assurances of reforms and improved fiscal performance have not translated into tangible development outcomes for Nigerians.
CHRICED’s review of official reports from the Budget Office of the Federation revealed a consistent pattern of underperformance in capital budget implementation over recent years.
According to the group, in the 2024 fiscal year, out of the ₦9.9 trillion allocated for capital projects, only ₦5.81 trillion was released, while ₦3.27 trillion was utilized, leaving many critical projects unexecuted.
The organization noted that although the utilization rate appeared high relative to released funds, the overall performance remained poor when compared to the total allocation, thereby affecting development commitments.
CHRICED further stated that the situation deteriorated in 2025, as the Budget Office has yet to publish the third and fourth quarter implementation reports, contrary to statutory requirements.
Available data, it said, shows that out of ₦23.44 trillion projected for capital expenditure in 2025, only ₦34.32 billion was released in the first quarter and ₦393.86 billion in the second quarter.
The group described this as less than one percent of the total capital budget, indicating that both the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets were largely unimplemented.
CHRICED expressed concern that while Nigerians continue to endure economic hardship, there is little evidence of government commitment to executing capital projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.
“While citizens are urged to endure economic hardship in anticipation of promised reforms, there is little evidence of corresponding government action in the execution of capital projects,” the statement said.
The organization also highlighted the imbalance between recurrent and capital expenditures, noting that funds for governance costs are consistently released while infrastructure development is neglected.
It warned that with rising poverty, unemployment, and the effects of subsidy removal, failure to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and power could worsen living conditions across the country.
CHRICED added that with the 2027 general elections approaching, there are concerns that political interests may override governance priorities, potentially leading to misuse of public funds.
The group also questioned the National Assembly’s silence on the issue, calling for stronger oversight and accountability to protect public interest.
CHRICED called for a comprehensive audit of capital allocations from 2023 to 2026, immediate release of outstanding budget reports, and greater citizen engagement in demanding transparency.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability in governance.