The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Demands Immediate Release of 2022 Budget Implementation Reports in Adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility Act

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a Nigerian knowledge Institution and leading advocate for fiscal transparency and accountability, strongly urges the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning through the Budget Office of the Federation to promptly release the third quarter, fourth quarter and consolidated budget implementation reports of the 2022 budget, as well as the first quarter implementation report of the 2023 budget, in strict adherence to Section 30 (1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

According to Section 30 (1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, it is the duty of the Minister of Finance, through the Budget Office of the Federation, to diligently monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Annual Budget. This includes the crucial task of assessing the attainment of fiscal targets and providing comprehensive quarterly reports to both the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Joint Finance Committee of the National Assembly.

Furthermore, Section 30 (2) mandates that the Minister of Finance ensures that the prepared reports, as per subsection (1), are published in mass media, electronic platforms, and on the official Ministry of Finance website no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.

Regrettably, at present, only the first and second quarter implementation reports of the 2022 budget are accessible on the website of the Budget Office of the Federation. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility and inhibits public scrutiny of budget implementation.

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) firmly emphasizes that the release of these implementation reports is not merely a legal obligation but an essential step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in public finance management. Access to timely and comprehensive information allows citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to assess the government’s performance, hold it accountable, and contribute to the overall improvement of fiscal policies and practices. It will be most inappropriate, illegal and a big dereliction of duty for the Minister of Finance to leave office on May 29 2023 without performing fundamental statutory duties whilst drawing down all her salaries, allowances, emoluments and perks of office.

In the circumstances, CSJ urges the Minister of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation to fulfill its duty promptly by releasing these overdue budget implementation reports of the 2022 budget, as well as the first quarter implementation report of the 2023 budget, in adherence to the stipulations outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. We call upon the government to prioritize transparency and accountability in public finance management, as these principles are fundamental to fostering trust, promoting good governance, and achieving sustainable development.

Eze Onyekpere

Lead Director