The Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) has issued a detailed press statement rejecting allegations of constitutional violations and fiscal illegality surrounding the recent repeal and re-enactment of the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts.
In the statement signed by Director-General Tanimu Yakubu, the BOF described criticisms labelling the legislative action as a "constitutional impossibility" or evidence of "expenditure without appropriation" as misconceptions that misinterpret Nigeria's fiscal framework.
The office emphasised that Sections 80–84 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to authorise, amend, or repeal appropriation laws when necessary in the public interest.
It argued that extending the lifespan of budget acts or consolidating overlapping fiscal instruments through repeal and re-enactment is a legitimate exercise of legislative authority, especially to accommodate project commitments, statutory transfers, and changing economic realities.
Addressing claims of unauthorised spending, the BOF clarified that expenditures remain backed by lawful appropriations, contractual obligations, or statutory charges, with the repeal and re-enactment process serving to regularise and strengthen legislative oversight.
On transparency concerns, the agency acknowledged obligations under Section 48 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act but noted that official documents must undergo authentication and enrolment before public release to avoid circulating conflicting drafts.
While defending the legality of the process which received National Assembly approval and presidential assent, the BOF pledged to enhance public access to fiscal information.
It committed to:
Publishing authenticated budget documents through official channels as soon as finalised.
Strengthening citizen-friendly budget communication tools.
Maintaining strict expenditure controls in line with constitutional requirements.
The statement reflects Nigeria's representative democracy, where elected lawmakers translate public interest into fiscal policy, while expressing support for structured stakeholder engagement and budget literacy initiatives.
The clarification comes amid public debate over the government's decision to repeal and re-enact the two appropriation acts, with critics questioning the implications for fiscal discipline and transparency.
The BOF concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, institutional responsibility, and constructive dialogue in managing Nigeria's public finances.
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