Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill delivers tangible and measurable benefits to ordinary Nigerians. She warned that focusing solely on headline budget figures will not address the country’s development challenges.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s budget presentation to a joint session of the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the exercise as significant but cautioned against overemphasizing fiscal size at the expense of real outcomes. She noted that while the proposed spending plan reflects Nigeria’s economic ambitions and structural issues, citizens are primarily concerned with how government spending translates into improvements in their daily lives.
She remarked, “Of all the lengthy speeches, one line by Mr President struck me deeply. It’s not the size of the budget but the quantum of impact felt by Nigerians.”
The senator stressed that fiscal expansion without corresponding improvements in living standards risks increasing public frustration and widening the trust gap between citizens and government.
According to Naija News, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that Nigerians expect annual budgets to go beyond impressive projections and deliver concrete outcomes such as sustainable job creation, functional infrastructure, affordable healthcare, quality education, and accessible social services.
She maintained that budgets should be evaluated not by their nominal value but by their ability to enhance welfare, productivity, and social ility across communities.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also highlighted the importance of accountability in governance, stating that it must be upheld by both leaders and citizens. She underscored that public scrutiny is essential for achieving meaningful outcomes.
“Leaders must do better, and citizens must demand accountability,” she stressed.
I think Senator Natasha makes a valid point. Quality over quantity, right? Lets hope for a more impactful budget this time!
I think Senator Natasha makes a valid point – prioritizing real impact over budget size is crucial for effective governance.
I think Senator Natasha makes a valid point. Impact should always matter more than just the numbers on a budget. Quality over quantity!
Why focus on budget size when impact matters more? Lets prioritize what really counts in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.