APM urges FG to account for alleged ₦8.8tn off-budget spending

By Henry Obetta

The Allied People’s Movement (APM), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to provide a full account of public expenditure following reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concerning alleged off-budget spending.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Kazeem, the party said Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The APM was reacting to issues raised during the IMF’s recent Article IV consultation, which referenced government expenditure estimated at about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, approximately ₦8.8 trillion, outside the country’s official budget framework.

According to the party, public funds belong to Nigerians and should be managed in accordance with constitutional provisions, legislative approval, independent audit and public scrutiny.

It said any expenditure outside the established budgetary process raises legitimate questions that require clear explanations from the government.

The party expressed concern that unexplained off-budget spending could undermine transparency, weaken public confidence and create opportunities for the misuse of public resources, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship.

The APM also called for clarification on reports of deductions from statutory allocations to state governments, urging the Federal Government to explain the legal basis, amounts involved and the purposes for which the funds were used.

The party further urged the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the issues highlighted in the IMF report.

It also called on the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to carry out an independent audit of all alleged off-budget expenditures and make its findings public.

In addition, the APM urged the Federal Government to publish details of projects reportedly executed outside the approved budget, including information on procurement processes, contractors involved and sources of funding.

The party added that any deductions from state allocations found to have been made unlawfully should be refunded, while relevant anti-corruption agencies should investigate any evidence of financial misconduct in accordance with the law.

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