Nigeria: U.S. Report Vindicates Atiku On Tinubu Govt's Fiscal Transparency

A recent report by the United States Department of State has vindicated Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, regarding concerns over fiscal transparency in Nigeria. The report highlighted the government's failure to provide timely and comprehensive information on revenues and expenditures, as well as discrepancies between approved budget figures and actual revenue and spending during implementation.

Atiku, a former Vice President, has long criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for lacking acceptable standards of fiscal transparency, accountability, and public disclosure. The US report noted that while the government made its enacted budget and end-of-year report widely accessible, it failed to publish the executive budget proposal within a reasonable timeframe.

Moreover, the budget documents lacked a complete picture of revenues and expenditures and did not adequately break down costs related to executive offices. The report also criticized the Office of the Auditor-General for not meeting international standards of independence and not publishing substantive reports. Atiku emphasized that the findings confirmed his consistent concerns about the management of public resources under the Tinubu administration, stating that Nigerians deserve full transparency on how every kobo is spent.

He argued that inadequate fiscal disclosure could hinder investment, combat corruption, and restore public confidence in government. Atiku stressed that transparency is a foundation of good governance and that detailed and timely disclosure of revenues and expenditures is crucial, particularly at a time of rising debt and inflation.

The Atiku Media Office affirmed that the former Vice President would continue advocating for greater accountability and transparency in Nigeria's public finances.