2026 Budget Unrealistic, Lacks Planning — APC Chieftain Abubakar Yusuf Criticises Tinubu’s ₦68.32trn Spending Plan

Former senator questions funding strategy, warns of excessive borrowing and fiscal imbalance

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By A1 News International | Abuja, Nigeria

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Abubakar Yusuf, has criticised Nigeria’s 2026 budget, describing it as unrealistic and poorly structured.
The former lawmaker questioned the viability of the ₦68.32 trillion appropriation signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, Yusuf argued that the budget lacks a clear planning framework and raises serious concerns about funding.

The former senator, who represented Taraba Central, said budgeting without a defined plan undermines fiscal discipline and economic sustainability.

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

Yusuf stated that he would not have assented to the budget if he were in the President’s position, citing uncertainties around revenue generation and financing.

He further warned that Nigeria’s borrowing profile is approaching the size of the national budget, raising concerns about debt sustainability.

According to him, a significant portion of the budget may be wasteful, alleging that up to 40 per cent of the appropriation could be classified as “splurging.”

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The 2026 budget provides for total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion, with ₦4.799 trillion allocated to statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion earmarked for debt servicing.

Recurrent expenditure accounts for ₦15.4 trillion, while ₦32.2 trillion is designated for capital projects under the Development Fund.

Concerns Over Fiscal Sustainability
Yusuf’s remarks highlight growing concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt burden and the government’s ability to finance large-scale budgets without over-reliance on borrowing.

He warned that unchecked fiscal expansion could strain public finances and limit future economic flexibility.

Debate Over Budget Priorities
The criticism also underscores ongoing debates about whether government spending reflects national priorities, particularly in balancing capital investment with recurrent obligations and debt servicing.

The controversy surrounding the 2026 budget reflects broader concerns about fiscal discipline, debt management, and economic planning. With rising inflation and revenue constraints, the sustainability of large budgets remains a key issue for policymakers and investors.