2026 Budget Unrealistic, Not Backed by Plan – Senator Yusuf

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Yusuf, has criticised Nigeria’s 2026 appropriation, describing it as unrealistic and lacking a clear implementation plan.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the former senator who represented Taraba Central said the ₦68.32 trillion budget recently signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu raises serious concerns about fiscal sustainability.

According to him, the country’s borrowing profile is nearly on par with the size of the budget, a situation he described as troubling.

“Before you budget, you must plan. It is not about ₦68 trillion. What is the ₦68 trillion for? Is it based on needs or wants?” he queried.

Yusuf maintained that the budget lacks realism, adding that a significant portion of it may not be effectively utilised. He estimated that about 40 per cent of the budget could be considered “splurged,” reflecting what he described as a longstanding issue with Nigeria’s budgeting process.

The former lawmaker also said he would not have assented to the budget if he were in the president’s position, questioning how the government intends to fund such a large expenditure framework.

President Tinubu signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on April 17, 2026, with a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. The budget includes ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent spending, and ₦32.2 trillion allocated to capital expenditure through the development fund.

Yusuf’s remarks add to growing public discourse on the sustainability and effectiveness of Nigeria’s fiscal policies, particularly amid rising debt levels and economic pressures.