In a strongly worded statement that underscores the depth of Nigeria’s governance crisis, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the persistent corruption that continues to plague the country, following alarming revelations of a ₦7 trillion insertion of questionable projects into the 2025 national budget.
Describing Nigeria as a “relentless scene of corruption,” Obi reiterated that the country cannot make meaningful progress unless it ceases to function as a crime scene and is strategically repositioned for genuine development.
“How else can we explain the distressing revelations by BudgIT, which uncovered a staggering ₦7 trillion in questionable projects inserted into the 2025 national budget?” Obi queried. “I am convinced that this figure represents only a fraction of the actual amount misappropriated.”
He emphasized that the misappropriated amount surpasses the combined allocations of key developmental ministries, including:
- Ministry of Education – ₦3.52 trillion Ministry of Health – ₦2.48 trillion
- Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation – ₦260 billion
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security – ₦636.08 billion
Together, these ministries received ₦6.896 trillion—less than the ₦7 trillion in alleged budget padding. The figure also eclipses the ₦6.1 trillion earmarked for national security, a shocking reality given Nigeria’s ongoing battle with insecurity and terrorism.
“This entrenched corruption—persistent and deeply rooted—must be nipped in the bud if there is to be any meaningful turnaround,” Obi stated.
He pointed out that the consequences of fiscal mismanagement are dire: almost 20 million children out of school, underfunded primary healthcare, rampant hunger due to lack of agricultural support, and a crippled MSME sector—all while trillions are allegedly diverted under the guise of public spending.
“This brazen impunity by our leaders is precisely why the country cannot invest adequately in education, healthcare, or national security,” Obi said, adding that the nation’s path to development is being obstructed by unchecked corruption.
Calling for urgent and aggressive reforms, Obi emphasized the need for transparent resource management and strategic investment in critical sectors to lift Nigerians out of poverty and create a prosperous future.
“A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded, echoing his 2023 campaign slogan with renewed urgency and conviction.
