Group Calls For Pro-Poor 2025 Budget, Action On Economic Crisis

By Bukar BOLORI

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON), a coalition of over 50 social movement groups representing more than 30 million Nigerians, has raised serious concerns over the worsening economic conditions and pervasive insecurity in the country.

A statement by the group on Monday said with inflation climbing from 33.88% in October 2024 to 34.8% in January 2025, and acute food insecurity projected by FEWS to worsen between February and May 2025, there is a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability.

Speaking after its steering committee meeting, the Convener, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha stated that: “The 2025 budget, in its current form, fails to address the critical needs of millions of Nigerians grapplingwith poverty, hunger, and insecurity. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects and prioritizes the welfare of the masses, particularly those most affected by IMF/World Bank austerity measures, not a privileged few.”

Mustapha while lamenting that with PWC projecting an additional 13 million Nigerians could fall below the poverty line in 2025, emphasized that the proposed budget prioritizes recurrent spending(₦14.8 trillion, a 19.66% increase), while capital expenditure remains insufficient at ₦14.1 trillion (a mere 12.5% increase). The alarming 96.75% rise in debt servicing further strains the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors.

She lamented that despite the urgent need for investment in human capital, allocations to health, education, and agriculture remain below African Union recommendations (15% for health, 20% for education, and 10% for agriculture), exacerbating Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

MOTiON,however , warned that failing to address these issues risks further marginalizing millions of Nigerians.

In response to recent allegations of an extortion scheme involving National Assembly members demanding ₦8 million bribes from vice chancellors for budget approvals, Comrade Hauwa declared,”MOTiON condemns this shocking abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.Such corruption diverts critical resources from addressing the country’s pressing challenges.”

MOTiON also expressed deep concern over the ongoing persecution of the eleven#EndBadGovernance protesters facing trumped-up charges of treason and terrorism financing.

Mustapha described this as a blatant attack on democratic rights, adding that: “These unjust charges are a desperate attempt to silence dissent and stifle calls for accountability.”

MOTiON specifically demands that:“All anti-corruption agencies urgently investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the extortion scheme. Failure to act will deepen public disillusionment withgovernance.

“The National Assembly must review the 2025 budget proposal, eliminatingunnecessary expenditures, blocking financial mismanagement, and redirectingresources to sustainable solutions.

“Budgetary allocations must prioritize essential social services, including healthcare, education, and social protection programmes, to support vulnerable populations and reduce inequality.

“Federal and state governments must implement pro-poor policies that generateemployment, invest in local industries, and stabilize the economy with targetedsubsidies.

“All charges against the #EndBadGovernance activists must be dropped immediately, and the government must end its systemic repression of workers, activists, and social movements.”

Mustapha said: “Given the worsening insecurity, the Federal Government muststrengthen measures to combat terrorism and banditry while addressing the root causes of violence through dialogue and reconciliation. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects the needs of the people. This is not the time for business as usual. The collective frustration of Nigerians is nearing a tipping point, and the consequences of continued neglect could be dire for those in power.”